How do sponges reproduce using gemmules?

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Study the different ways mushrooms release spores and watch mold hyphae spread across bread — Reproduction Fungi produce billions of spores that give rise to new generations of fungi.

Gemmulation is a form of asexual reproduction in sponges that allows them to survive unfavorable environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures or drought.1

The process involves the following steps:

Formation: Aggregates of cells, primarily archaeocytes, become laden with reserve food granules. These cells are isolated and surrounded by a protective covering to form gemmules.1
Protection: In freshwater species, these protective membranes are often reinforced with spicules, which help identify the species.1
Dormancy: The gemmules are expelled from the adult sponge. They enter a state of suspended animation, often referred to as hibernation in cold regions or estivation in warm regions, allowing the sponge to persist through harsh conditions.1
Germination: When favorable conditions return, the gemmules germinate. The archaeocytes emerge through an opening called the micropyle, differentiate into various cell types, and develop into a new sponge.1

Are you interested in learning about other methods of asexual reproduction in sponges, such as fragmentation?