Sponges (Asconoid Type)
Sponges have three methods of asexual reproduction. The first method, being fragmentation is the most simple and is also used most often. The way it works is a fragment of the sponge will become detached. This fragment is transported by waves and currents until it can find a suitable location where it can attach and grow into a new sponge. Sponges can also reproduce by budding. What takes place during the budding method is that a totally new organism will asexually grow from a growth or bud of the parent sponge. This new organism is genetically identical to the parent sponge and is known as a clone. The third method of asexual reproduction is producing gemmules. Gemmules are known as “survival pods” and are produced by the part of the sponge known as the spongocyte. When a sponge dies, it releases thousands of these gemmules into the open ocean. These gemmules go dormant if they are not used right away. Amazingly, they can survive hot, cold, high and low salinity, and lack of oxygen. The majority are hermaphrodites, but there are a few species of sponges that can reproduce sexually.