Do Sponges Photosynthesize

Plants feed by capturing solar energy in the process of photosynthesis. Sponges can’t do this, although a few species host cyanobacteria that can.

Are sea sponges photosynthetic?

Although sea sponges take up dissolved silica from the water, unlike phytoplankton they do not perform photosynthesis so it is not connected to carbon uptake in the ocean.

Are sponges photosynthetic Autotrophs?

These ‘autotrophic’ sponges live in a symbiotic association with the cyanobacteria and are found in the reef flats and shallow rock pools of the GBR (Great Barrier Reef). … Its green pigment is due to photosynthetic products from commensal cyanobacteria.