Sea sponges move by sinking their spicules into the ground and pulling themselves forward, leaving behind a trail of skeletal fragments.
The Mechanics of Sea Sponge Movement
Unlike many animals, sea sponges don't have muscles or a complex nervous system to facilitate movement. Their movement is a slow and somewhat destructive process that relies on their skeletal structure, called spicules.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
- Anchoring with Spicules: Sea sponges use their sharp, needle-like spicules to anchor themselves to the substrate (the surface they are moving across).
- Pulling Forward: They then exert force, pulling their bodies forward using these anchored spicules.
- Spicule Detachment: As they move, the embedded spicules often break off from the sponge's body.
- Leaving a Trail: This detachment creates a visible trail of skeletal fragments and small pieces of tissue behind the sponge, marking their path. This zig-zagging trail is a telltale sign of sponge movement.
It's important to note that this process is extremely slow, with movement measured in millimeters per day. While it might not be apparent at first glance, sea sponges are indeed capable of relocating, albeit in a rather unusual way.
