Category: Invertebrates
Sponges are aquatic, multicellular organisms whose body structure is full of holes and channels that allow water to circulate food and oxygen to all the cells, as well as remove waste. While they lack true tissues and organs and do not display body symmetry, sponges are composed of a variety of cells which perform highly specialized functions and often host photosynthesizing micro-organisms as endosymbionts. Sponges in temperate regions usually only survive for a few years, while some tropical species may live for more than 200 years!
Rub some dirt on it!
Could it be we have been too good at ridding our bodies of parasitic worms? Believe it or not, our efforts at keeping squeaky-clean and sanitary in the developed world may be contributing to increased allergies, asthma, psoriasis, even autoimmune diseases. The human immune system, having evolved with parasitic worms, recognizes them, and has learned to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing when these tiny intruders are sensed. While getting worms may be seen as too high a price to pay for many, for people suffering from severe allergies or colitis, it may be worth it. Victims of multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease have shown a promising reduction in symptoms (even remission in Crohn’s) after ingesting whipworm eggs - a treatment that may be worth it to some until a cure is found!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
