In the last decade the phylogenetically oldest metazoan phylum,the Porifera (sponges) gained special interest.Mainly due to the introduction of molecular biological techniques solid evidence was elaborated which indicated that this phylum provides a cornucopia of new information which allows a grasping for the understanding of the dynamics of evolutionary processes occurring during the Earth period of Ediacara.Furthermore,the species of this phylum are rich and valuable sources for bioprospecting,the translation of life-science discoveries into practical products or processes for the benefit of the society.