Most genes involved in complex processes are present in sponges, new research shows. Sponges or Porifera -- there are over 8,000 species currently recognised -- are the most basal phylum of metazoans.

Simple organisms such as the sponge appear very different from complex animals, but new research shows that this simple ancient species may have given rise to all modern day animals. An Adult Sponge ...

Which group of animals evolved first? This problem has become a bone of contention among biologists. An international research team is now confident that the definitive answer is at hand: Sponges ...

International scientists have uncovered the oldest known phosphatic stromatoporoid sponge, dating back approximately 480 million years to the Early Ordovician, in South China. Stromatoporoid sponges ...

Sponges are “among the most successful life forms that have ever existed, with an estimated 15,000 species alive today”, according to the editors of this new work on their classification. The study of ...

General animal biology: Frog as a representative animal -- Materials of the animal body -- Body covering, skeleton, and body muscles -- Digestive systems and metabolism -- Circulatory systems -- ...