Reproduction

Sponges are capable of reproducing sexually and asexually. Sponges reproduce asexually by Budding; when the mature sponge grows a new sponge off of itself, and the sponge pops off when it matures. The offspring sponge has exactly the same genetic material as the parent. In sexual reproduction, sponges create eggs and sperms which fertilize those of other sponges. Although sponges are hermaphrodites, they do not fertilize their own eggs with their own sperm (this would be asexual reproduction). All sponges in an area generally release their eggs and sperm on the same night, producing new sponges with different DNA. The zygote can swim and get carried by the current for long distances before settling down and becoming a new sponge. Some sponges also form Gemmules which are structures which hold amoebocytes (aka Archaeocytes) within a thick shell of spicules. These can withstand harsh winters which would kill adult sponges. When favourable conditions return, gemmules grow into sponges again.