phylum porifera

Phylum Porifera is a group of simple, multicellular, aquatic animals commonly known as sponges. They are characterized by their porous body structure, which allows water to circulate through specialized channels, enabling them to filter-feed by extracting nutrients and oxygen from the water. Most sponges are marine, though some are found in freshwater. Porifera are among the most ancient animal groups, with a simple organization that makes them pivotal to understanding the evolution of multicellular organisms.