Sponge (tool) facts for kids
A Sponge is a tool that is used for cleaning and washing. The sponge is made of a special material, with many holes. By rubbing the sponge against dirty surfaces, the dirt can be removed.
Today, there are also artificial sponges.
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An artificial sponge, made of polyurethane
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Close up of the artificial sponge
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A natural sponge. This is the skeleton of a sponge from the Demosponges
Contents
Natural sponges for cleaning
Most natural sponges used for cleaning today come from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Today Izmir and Tripolis are the main markets where natural sponges are sold.
Other qualities of natural sponges
Antibiotic compounds
Sponges have medicinal potential. This is because of antimicrobial compounds in either the sponge itself or their microbial symbionts.
Dolphin use sponges
Bottlenose dolphins have been seen using live sponges. This was in Shark Bay. Shark bay is in Western Australia. The behaviour has only been observed in the bay. Most likely adult dolphins teach it to their children. The only other marine mammals that use tools are Sea otters.
Images for kids
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Vegetable fiber sponge: wood fiber sponge combined with scouring pad.
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Bacteria from a kitchen sponge
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Macro photograph of the porosity in a synthetic cleaning sponge
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Natural sponges for sale in Crete
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A Luffa aegyptiaca sponge section magnified 100 times
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A close-up of a synthetic sponge's openings
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A souvenir made out of an artificial sponge
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See also
In Spanish: Esponja de baño para niños
