University of Iowa
Evolution & the History of Life
Lab 5
Colonial Invertebrates
Part I. Phylum Porifera (Sponges)
Subphylum: Stromatoporoidea
A. Read
about sponges.
B. Look at the following link: Diagram
of sponge with labelled parts
C. Optional-if you are interested, look at other
sponge sites.
D. Read about stromatoporoids.
E. Know the common features of Stromatoporoids:
-
Branching or encrusting or bulbous masses, with thin
concentric laminae parallel to the surface.
-
Presence of pillars and astrorhizae.
F. Look at the specimens
from boxes 1 and 2:
These specimens are from the Subphylum Stromatoporoidea
("reticulum of vertical and horizontal rods"), Family Idiostromatidae.
| Question 1: What differences
(size, internal features) can you see between the stromatoporoids, Amphipora
(box
1) and Idiostroma (box 2)? |
G. Look at the specimens
from box 3:
These specimens are also from the Subphylum Stromatoporoidea. However,
the Family is Stromatoporoidae.
| Question 2: Draw Stromatopora and label
the vertical pillars, horizontal laminae, latilamellae/latilamina (growth
bands), and astrorhizae. What overall shape (encrusting, massive, or branched)
does this stromatoporoid have? |
You are finished with Part I
of the lab. Choose Part II, Part III, or Part IV from the choices below,
if you have not yet completed these sections.
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Last updated on February 24, 1997-jlc.