What are Invertebrates?
Definition: Invertebrates are a group of animals that do not possess a backbone or vertebral column.
Invertebrates account for about 97% of the whole animal kingdom. Invertebrates can be found in almost every habitat from marine environments to forests. This group includes insects, spiders, worms, molluscs, crustaceans etc. Some invertebrates like insects possess an exoskeleton, while others like worms lack one. These show two types of symmetry- radial and bilateral. Radial symmetry is found in starfish while bilateral symmetry is found in insects and spiders.
Reproduction can occur through both asexual and sexual means. Their circulatory system is open while some cephalopods such as squids and octopuses, have a closed circulatory system. They exhibit variation in sizes, from microscopic planktons to large arthropods such as the Japanese spider crab. Invertebrates are further classified into 9 Phylums- Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Echinodermata
Difference between Invertebrates and Vertebrates
The difference between Invertebrates and Vertebrates is based on the presence of the backbone. Invertebrates makeup about 97% of all animal species, lack a backbone, and include diverse creatures such as insects, spiders, worms, mollusks, and crustaceans. On the other hand, vertebrates account for around 3% of the animal kingdom and possess a backbone made of bone or cartilage. This group comprises fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
In this article, we will read about the differences between invertebrates and vertebrates and the similarities between Invertebrates and vertebrates.
Difference between Vertebrates and Invertebrates
Table of Content
- What are Invertebrates?
- What are Vertebrates?
- Difference between Invertebrates and Vertebrates
- Similarities between Invertebrates and Vertebrates
- Conclusion: Difference between Invertebrates and Vertebrates
- Difference Between Related Links
- FAQs on Invertebrates and Vertebrates