Demospongiae

/ˌdeməˈspɒndʒiaɪ/ noun

Definition

A large class of marine sponges that includes most common sponges found in oceans, known for their soft, porous bodies.

Etymology

From Greek demos (people, common) + spongia (sponge). The name literally means 'common sponges' because they are the most abundant and widely distributed sponges in the sea.

Kelly Says

Demospongiae are the sponges you might find at the beach or in aquariums—they're called 'common' sponges because they make up about 95% of all known sponge species and have been used by humans for thousands of years.

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