Figure 3.

A summary of ecological and life-history-related factors that cause high production of bioactive compounds in marine sponges. (a) The larval stage is highly motile; hence, the larva is exposed to a high variety of pathogenic and abiotic stressors. (b) The non-motile adult experiences high competition for space among sessile organisms and predation by natural predators. Adults have symbionts attached to them. Filter feeding behavior of the adult increases the risk of exposure to hazardous materials. Overgrowing by fouling organisms like barnacles on the marine sponge has a lethal effect by blocking ostia. These factors have driven the high production of bioactive compounds in marine sponges.