Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Area of Concentration

Natural Sciences

Abstract

Sponges are a critical component of ocean communities and play a major role in recycling nutrients. Not only do they reduce waste on their ecosystems, but sponges also serve as shelters, nurseries, and prey to an array of ocean organisms. Coral are dying off at an alarming rate, and marine animals that depend on them suffer because of it. Sponges may prove to be a possible replacement for coral communities since they too serve as community builders. It is important to understand how sponges respond to different stresses as to prevent them from meeting a similar fate as their reef counterparts. The aim of this study was to provide a better look into how sponges are affected by physical damage and also to highlight the importance of sponges in communities. Sponges were studied in Sarasota Bay. Sponges studied were found to be rather resilient to the being damaged, and also appeared to recover from the damage fairly quickly under standard field conditions. All of the sponges began regenerating in no longer than 2 weeks. Attempts at rehabilitation in the lab were made but failed. Ultimately sponges not only showed themselves to be resistant to physical damage, but also reinforced that they can support a large amount of ocean life.

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