Invertebrates
Invertebrates
Invertebrates (/ɪnˈvɜːrtɪbrəts/), from the Latin invertebratus (not turned around), are animals that do not have a backbone or spinal column, a characteristic that distinguishes them from vertebrates.
Etymology
The term "invertebrate" comes from the Latin invertebratus, which is a combination of in (not) and vertebratus (turned around). This term was first used in the early 19th century to classify animals without a backbone.
Classification
Invertebrates are classified into several major groups including Arthropods, Mollusks, Annelids, Cnidarians, Echinoderms, and Poriferans. Each of these groups has unique characteristics and includes a wide variety of species.
Arthropods
Arthropods are the largest group of invertebrates, including insects, spiders, and crustaceans. They are characterized by their jointed limbs and cuticle made of chitin.
Mollusks
Mollusks include animals such as snails, clams, and squids. They are known for their soft bodies, which are often protected by a hard shell.
Annelids
Annelids, or segmented worms, include earthworms and leeches. They are characterized by their segmented bodies.
Cnidarians
Cnidarians include jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals. They are known for their stinging cells used to capture prey.
Echinoderms
Echinoderms include starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. They are characterized by their radial symmetry and spiny skin.
Poriferans
Poriferans, or sponges, are simple animals that filter feed by drawing water through their bodies.
Related Terms
- Vertebrates: Animals with a backbone or spinal column.
- Chordates: Animals that possess a notochord, a hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, an endostyle, and a post-anal tail for at least some period of their life cycles.
- Bilaterians: Animals with bilateral symmetry, i.e., they have a front and a back end, as well as an upside and downside.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Invertebrates
- Wikipedia's article - Invertebrates
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