Sponges are classified as animals because they are heterotrophic and multicellular, distinguishing them from plants. These features align them more closely with the kingdom Animalia.
Sponges, classified in the phylum Porifera, are considered animals due to their characteristics. One key feature supporting their classification in the kingdom Animalia is that they are heterotrophic organisms. Unlike plants, sponges cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis and instead rely on consuming other organisms for nutrition.
Additionally, sponges are multicellular, consisting of various specialized cells that perform specific functions within the organism. This complexity in cell types and organization aligns more closely with animals than with plants. While sponges lack mobility and have a nucleus, which are also important characteristics, the fact that they are heterotrophic and multicellular solidifies their classification within the kingdom Animalia.
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