Sponges are ancient creatures that have been around for hundreds of millions of years. They possess specialized cells that aid in respiration, feeding, digestion, etc. but unlike other animals, they lack complex organization of true tissues and organs. Many sponges produce defensive chemicals to protect themselves from predators, competitors, and pathogens. Many of these compounds have been isolated for use in medicines combatting HIV, malaria, and even cancer. Sponges are abundant on tropical coral reefs around the world, but they also flourish in deep and cold waters from Antarctica to Alaska. This diagram shows the diversity of forms that sponges exhibit. Clockwise from upper right: barrel, tube, encrusting, boring, globular, rope-like, and vase.

Illustration created for publication in The Ocean’s Menagerie by Drew Harvell.

11x17” and 6×9” prints ship flat in a sturdy photo mailer.