Surface Microornamentation of Demosponge Sterraster Spicules, Phylogenetic and Paleontological Implications

• Published in: Frontiers in Marine Science
• Main Author: Paco Cárdenas
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2020
• Subjects: Porifera; systematics; Geodia; Placospongia; Rhaxella; microfossils; Science; Q; General. Including nature conservation; geographical distribution; QH1-199.5; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Folmer; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.613610; https://doaj.org/article/16a98287986742fdbdd368c621f61336

Siliceous spicules in demosponges exist in a variety of shapes, some of which look like minute spheres of glass. They are called “sterrasters” when they belong to the Geodiidae family (Tetractinellida order) and “selenasters” when they belong to the Placospongiidae family (Clionaida order). Today, t...