what are the characteristics of phylum porifera
General Characteristics of Phylum Porifera. 1  An example is the sponge. 2  It's common name is the  pore-bearing  animal. 3  The body develops from two (2) cell layers. 4  It is asymmetrical. 5  It's a free-living organism. 6  Body is covered with pores. 7  They are sessile. 8  They have special cells for digestion and support.