Option C is correct because sponge cells possess a cell membrane, which is a defining characteristic of animal cells. The context establishes that sponges have an animal body plan and rely on water flow to bring food particles to their cells, meaning they do not photosynthesise (eliminating Option B). As animal cells, they also possess mitochondria for respiration (eliminating Option A) and lack a cell wall (eliminating Option D). Therefore, the presence of a cell membrane is the feature among the choices that correctly supports their classification under the animal kingdom.