126 ZOOLOGY sect. 



The amphiblastula type of larva is characteristic of the Calcarea, 

 and is probably universal in that sub-class except in such primi- 

 tive forms as Glathrina. 



In the Silicispongise, on the other hand, the typical larva is a solid 

 body with a superficial layer of ciliated cells, and an internal mass 

 of granular cells. From the former, apparently, the collared cells 

 of the flagellate chambers are formed : from the latter the external 

 ectoderm and the other elements of the body of the Sponge. The 

 granular cells break through the ciliated cells at one end and grow 

 over the latter as an investing layer. This is a remarkable reversal 

 of what, as will be seen subsequently, is to be observed in the 

 Ccelenterata— and in fact in the rest of the Metazoa, but is readily 

 reconcilable with what takes place in Sycon and the more complex 

 Calcarea. 



Distribution and Mode of Occurrence of Sponges, and 

 their Position in the Animal Series. — Fossil remains of Sponges 

 have been found in various formations from those of the Cambrian 

 period onwards, the greatest abundance being found in the Chalk. 

 No extinct class or order has been detected, the fossil forms all 

 being members of existing groups. Some of the orders of existing 

 Sponges — such as the Myxospongiae — are incapable of being 

 preserved as fossils, and the fossil forms belong, as we should 

 expect, to the more highly silicified groups and to the more 

 complex groups of the Calcarea. 



Fresh-water Sponges (Spoiir/illidce) occur in rivers, canals, and 

 lakes in all the great divisions of the earth's surface. Marine 

 Sponges occur in all seas, and at all depths, from the shore 

 between tide-marks to the deepest abysses of the ocean. The 

 Calcarea and the true horny sponges (Ceratosa) are most abundant 

 in shallow water,) and have not been found below 450 fathoms. 

 The Sponges found at the greatest depths are members of the 

 groups Hcxactinellida and Ghoristida. 



Sponges do not appear to be edible by Fishes or even the higher 

 Crustaceans or Molluscs. Countless lower animal forms, however, 

 burrow in their substance, if not for food, at least for shelter, and 

 the interior of a Sponge is frequently found to be teeming with 

 small Crustaceans, Annelids, Mollusc's, and other Invertebrates. 

 None of the Sponges are true parasites. The little Boring 

 Sponge, Clioiia, burrows in the shells of Oysters and other bivalves, 

 but for protection and not for food. But a Sponge frequently lives 

 in that close association with another animal or plant to which the 

 term messmatcism, or commensalism, is applied, associations which 

 benefit one or both. Thus some species of Sponge are never found 

 growing except on the backs or legs of certain Crabs. In these 

 cases the Sponge protects the Crab and conceals it from its enemies, 

 while the Sponge benefits by being carried from place to place and 

 thus obtaining freer oxygenation. Certain Cirri pede Crustaceans 



