Vancouver — A groundbreaking study has uncovered a mind-blowing fact about sea sponges off the coast of British Columbia: these seemingly simple creatures possess a human-like ability to "sneeze."

Researchers, led by marine biologist Sally Leys from the University of Alberta, monitored the behavior of a sea sponge named Belinda over four years, utilizing eight underwater cameras installed by Ocean Networks Canada. Their aim? To understand how these marine animals react to shifting climate conditions and environmental changes.

Eye-Opening Observations: Sneezing Behavior Unveiled

The footage captured by the cameras revealed that sponges undergo "sneeze-like" contractions that can last up to a day! Leys explains that when dirt or debris irritates a sponge during its filter feeding, it responds by enveloping the irritant in mucus and expelling it. This slow but effective process may resemble a human sneeze, albeit at a much slower pace. Surprisingly, the smaller the sponge, the faster its "sneeze." A tiny sponge fits the bill with a contraction time of just 40 minutes to an hour, whereas Belinda, about the size of a fist, takes an entire day.

Leys noted the sponge’s surprising activity levels, highlighting that despite its inert appearance, the sponge was constantly "bouncing up and down" and engaging in notable behaviors. "I was blown away by how active it was," she exclaimed.

Climate Change and Adaptation: The Sponge's Seasonal Secrets

The study also brought to light the sponge's drastic adaptations to environmental changes. During winter, Belinda contracts to half its size and enters a dormant state, which is surprising given that sponges lack muscles and a nervous system. This behavior suggests an innate biological mechanism at play in response to decreased food availability.

Intriguingly, during summer months, Belinda resumed its sneezing behavior as it filtered increased nutrients from phytoplankton blooms in the water, indicating a remarkable resilience to seasonal changes.

A Decade of Observation: What Lies Ahead?

Spanning from 2012 to 2015, this study represents the longest continuous monitoring of sea sponges in the wild. Although the camera array was removed in 2015, divers have recently confirmed that Belinda is still at the site, thriving and vibrant.

Leys is optimistic about future research opportunities, expressing a desire to reinstall the monitoring cameras. "Understanding how sponges respond to environmental changes can provide crucial insights into the health of our oceans," she stated.

This captivating research, recently published in the *Marine Ecology Progress Series*, opens up new avenues for exploring the behavior of these mysterious marine creatures. With continued observations, scientists hope to unveil even more astonishing truths about the world beneath the waves and how climate change affects its inhabitants.

Stay tuned! You won’t believe what else scientists are discovering about ocean life every day.