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Photographic gallery.  Thousands of particles under the microscope.
Freshwater Sponge Spicule

Freshwater Sponge Spicule

This is from a core sample collected in Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Transmitted Brightfield Illumination

Definition/Function:

Significance in the Environment:

Characteristic Features:

Associated Particles:

References:

Pennak, Robert W., FRESH-WATER INVERTEBRATES OF THE UNITED STATES, 2nd Ed., Wiley Interscience, pp. 80-98, 1978.
(Identification Key for Freshwater Sponge Spicules)

Wilding, L.P. and L. R. Drees, "Distribution and implications of sponge spicules in surficial deposits in Ohio", THE OHIO JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 92-99, 1968.
(Transport Mechanisms for Spicules far from Lakes)

Kratz, T.K., K.E. Webster, C.J. Bowser, J.J. Magnuson, and B.J. Benson, "The influence of landscape position on lakes in northern Wisconsin", FRESHWATER BIOLOGY, vol. 37, pp209-217, 1997.
(Environmental Factors Favoring Production of Sponge Spicules)