Question:

Sponges that contain calcareous spicules and live in shallow marine waters are included under the class

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Calcarea = calcium carbonate spicules + shallow marine habitat.
Updated On: Jul 18, 2026
  • Calcarea
  • Demospongiae
  • Hexactinellida
  • Scyphozoa
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding Porifera classification.
Sponges belong to phylum Porifera and are classified based on the type of spicules and skeletal composition. Major classes include Calcarea, Demospongiae, and Hexactinellida.

Step 2: Characteristics of Calcarea.
Class Calcarea consists of sponges having calcareous (calcium carbonate) spicules. These sponges are usually small and found in shallow marine environments.

Step 3: Habitat features.
Calcarea sponges prefer shallow waters because calcareous spicules are stable in such environments. They are mostly marine and attached to substrates.

Step 4: Evaluation of other classes.
Demospongiae have silica or spongin fibers, Hexactinellida have glass-like silica spicules, and Scyphozoa is a class of cnidarians, not sponges.

Step 5: Structural significance.
Calcareous spicules provide structural support and are characteristic features used for classification of Calcarea.

Step 6: Final conclusion.
Thus, sponges with calcareous spicules in shallow marine waters belong to class Calcarea.
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