The ecology of the sponge larva

Abstract

The present work summarizes the progress attained in the study of sponge larval ecology since the state-of-the-art reviews performed in the 1970s and stresses the major weaknesses in our current understanding. Most available information on this subject comes from laboratory studies, with just occasional field observations or experiments. The data are also strongly biased because they are mostly derived from just one larval type out the eight types known in the phylum Porifera. Descriptive studies on larval histology are relatively abundant, but investigations directed at unravelling the cytological basis of the main larval behaviors are scarce. Most aspects of basic larval metabolism and sensing processes remain largely not investigated. Modelling of larval ecology is virtually lacking, with no serious attempt to investigate how the major features of larval ecology affect the structure and dynamics of sponge populations. In summary, the ecology of the sponge larva needs further research attention if we are to achieve a global understanding of the biology of the phylum Porifera.