Glass Sponges
The fascinating biology of a primitive organism may contain secrets to future technologies
Today’s hed gif showcases the beauty of Hexactinellida, the ocean organisms known as glass sea sponges. These unusual and ancient animals are so-named because of their intricate skeletal structure that consists of a glass-like silica lattice. Pictures and video were taken from NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the US.
Fossil records show that glass sponges date from the Cambrian era of the Earth’s history. They first appeared more than 570 million years ago, predating dinosaurs. The first glass sponge reefs were formed around 220 million years ago and were at one point numerous. Fossil cliffs of glass sponge reefs about 40 million years old have been found in parts of Spain, France, Germany, and Romania. They were generally thought to be extinct, but in 1987 a team of Canadian scientists discovered 9,000-year-old living glass sponge reefs on British Columbia’s northern coast. This find remains the only known instance of this type of structure, considered the largest still-living animal-made structure ever discovered.
Glass sponges are able to transmit electrical signals through their crystal lattice to communicate biological information from one part of their structure to another. As well as this being unique from carbon-based animals’ biology, scientists and engineers are studying glass sponges’ physiology for potential duplication for applications in electronics. The rigid—yet-delicate bodies of glass sponges are also of interest for engineers looking at models for new ways to construct building materials.
Learn more about these beautiful and ancient creatures in the links below.
Nautilus Live: A moment With A Beautiful Glass Sponge
NOAA National Ocean Service: What is a glass sponge?
Creation Evolution Headlines: "Glass Sponges: Lessons from the Deep" by Margaret Helder, 10/10/21
Digital Atlas of Ancient Life: Hexactinellida
Wow. There is so much on this planet that has been here longer than hoomans. Amazing how they evolved and survived all this time. Beautiful and interesting. Thanks, Martini. Your gifs are a great way to start the day.
Fascinating! Thanks for this. Beautiful gifs, too.