Exhibit Search

“SpongeBob SquarePants” might be silly and zany,

but the Nickleodeon cartoon can still serve as a great
leaping point for discovering our marine world.
The Maritime Aquarium’s “Adventure Under the Sea”
exhibit explores the unusual body forms and adapta-
tions of some of the very real animals that inspired the
“SpongeBob” cast.
Bring this Exhibit Search along on your next visit
and use it to enhance your “Adventure Under the Sea.”

PHYLUM
Scientists group animals with similar body plans into different phyla
(FIE-lah). “Adventure Under the Sea” focuses on the four phyla pictured

MATCH below. As you tour the exhibit, make observations or read graphics
panels to match the facts to the correct animal phylum.

1. We have many arms (usually five), but no legs.

2. We have 6 to 10 legs but no arms.
3. We have no arms or legs!
4. Most of us get around on just one foot.
Sponges 5. We’re the most numerous creatures on Earth. Mollusks
Snails, clams, whelks,
6. Most of us make a shell to live in. squid, slugs

7. Our skeletons are on our outside. We shed them to grow.

8. Our bodies are round, or shaped like bike spokes.
9. Some of our species see as well as you.

10. We suck food into our bodies through tiny pores.

Echinoderms 11. We help to pollinate Earth’s plants. Arthropods

(ee-KINE-oh-derms) Insects, crabs, lobsters,
Sea stars, sand dollars, 12. We filter ocean water, helping to keep it clean and clear. spiders
brittle stars

Which live animal in the exhibit

looks the most like a SpongeBob Feeding Time An animal’s body shape has a lot
to do with what and how it eats.
character? Draw it here. Try to imagine each animal’s diet and feeding style as you find ....

... an animal that ... an animal without ... an animal whose

looks like a feather. any mouth at all! mouth is under its
body.
... an animal with ... an animal without arms
pinchers. or legs to hold its food.