Sinh học - Chapter 33: Invertebrates

Most sponges are hermaphrodites, with each individual producing both sperm and eggs. Gametes arise from choanocytes or amoebocytes. The eggs are retained, but sperm are carried out the osculum by the water current. Sperm are drawn into neighboring individuals and fertilize eggs in the mesohyl. The zygotes develop into flagellated, swimming larvae that disperse from the parent. When a larva finds a suitable substratum, it develops into a sessile adult.