What Are Invertebrates? Animal Science for Grade School Children & Zoology

What Are Invertebrates? | Animal Science Book Grade 3 | Children's Zoology Books

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Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone. They make up the vast majority of the animal kingdom. In fact, there are over 95% of all animal species on Earth are invertebrates. They have a wide range of diversity in terms of their size, shape, and habitat. Invertebrates can be found in all types of environments, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. They are an important part of the food chain and play a vital role in the ecosystem.

Types of Invertebrates

There are many different types of invertebrates. Some of the most common include:

• Insects: Insects are the largest group of invertebrates. They have six legs and three body segments (head, thorax, and abdomen). Insects are found in all types of environments and play a vital role in the ecosystem.
• Crustaceans: Crustaceans are aquatic invertebrates that have a hard exoskeleton. They have five pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae. Crustaceans include crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles.
• Mollusks: Mollusks are invertebrates that have a soft body and a hard shell. They have a muscular foot that they use for locomotion. Mollusks include snails, clams, oysters, and squid.
• Echinoderms: Echinoderms are marine invertebrates that have a unique radial symmetry. They have a water vascular system that they use for locomotion and feeding. Echinoderms include starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers.
• Worms: Worms are invertebrates that have a long, narrow body. They have no legs and move by crawling. Worms include earthworms, nematodes, and tapeworms.

Characteristics of Invertebrates

Invertebrates have a number of characteristics that distinguish them from vertebrates. Some of the most important characteristics include:

• Lack of a backbone: Invertebrates do not have a backbone or vertebral column. This is the most defining characteristic of invertebrates.
• Bilateral symmetry: Most invertebrates have bilateral symmetry, which means that their body can be divided into two mirror-image halves.
• Open circulatory system: Invertebrates have an open circulatory system, which means that their blood is not contained within blood vessels.
• Simple nervous system: Invertebrates have a simple nervous system that does not include a brain.

Examples of Invertebrates

There are many different examples of invertebrates. Some of the most common include:

• Ants
• Bees
• Butterflies
• Crabs
• Snails
• Oysters
• Starfish
• Sea urchins
• Earthworms
• Tapeworms

Importance of Invertebrates

Invertebrates are an important part of the ecosystem. They play a vital role in the food chain and help to decompose organic matter. Invertebrates also provide food for many other animals, including fish, birds, and mammals. They are also used in a variety of products, such as food, clothing, and medicine.

Invertebrates are a diverse and important group of animals. They play a vital role in the ecosystem and provide many benefits to humans. By learning about invertebrates, we can better appreciate the natural world and the importance of protecting it.

What Are Invertebrates? | Animal Science Book Grade 3 | Children's Zoology Books

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24748 KB
Print length	:	72 pages

FREE