Invertebrates
Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone. They make up the majority of animal species, with an estimated 97% of all animals being invertebrates. Invertebrates can be found in all habitats on Earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. They vary greatly in size, from microscopic rotifers to giant squids. Invertebrates have a wide range of body plans, and they can be classified into many different phyla. Some of the most common phyla of invertebrates include arthropods, mollusks, annelids, echinoderms, flatworms, cnidarians, and sponges. They are a food source for many other animals, and they help to decompose organic matter. Invertebrates also play a role in pollination and seed dispersal.
Types of Invertebrates and its Characteristics
The invertebrates are characterized by the absence of a vertebral column and they can be classified mainly into nine types according to the Phyla. Invertebrates are the largest group in the animal kingdom which are mainly included in the Phyla Protozoa, Porifera, Cnidaria, Annelida, Platyhelminthes, Aschhelminthes, Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Echinodermata.
Invertebrate animals play an important role as agricultural pests, parasites, or vectors of parasitic infections to humans and other vertebrates and also help in plant pollination. In this article, we will learn about different types of invertebrates along with their characteristics.
Table of Content
- What are Invertebrates?
- Characteristics of Invertebrates
- Types of Invertebrates
- Examples of Invertebrates
- Conclusion: Invertebrates
- FAQs on Invertebrates