Systematics is nowadays facing new challenges with the introduction of new concepts and
new techniques. Compared to most other phyla, phylogenetic relationships among sponges …

Archaeocytes are considered a key cell type in sponges (Porifera). They are believed to be
multifunctional cells performing various functions, from nutrient digestion to acting as adult …

In sponges, as in other taxa with simple organization, the evaluation and use of
morphological characters is difficult. Phylogenetic analysis of the first 850 nucleotides from …

Sponges (Porifera) belong to an ancient metazoan lineage that represents one of the
earliest branches of the animal tree. The superficial region of the sponge body is devoid of …

We present the first comparative phylogenetic analysis of a selected set of marine sponges
and their bacterial associates. The Halichondrida form an important order in demosponge …

In the past decade molecular genetic markers have been introduced for research on the
evolution and systematics of sponges. Historically, sponges have been difficult to classify …

The genus Clathrina has one of the most difficult systematic arrangements in the Porifera,
Class Calcarea. Few morphological characters can be used to describe its species, and the …

Demosponge higher-level systematics is currently a subject of major changes due to the
simplicity and paucity of complex morphological characters. Still, sponge classification is …

Demospongiae (Porifera) have discrete cellular elements, parenchymella or blastula larvae,
with either viviparous or oviparous reproductive strategies. The skeleton is composed of …

Classification and phylogeny reconstruction in the Porifera is diYcult at all levels. The low
number and potential plasticity of morphological characters have meant a precise …