Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate (/ɪnˈvɜːrtɪbrət, -eɪt/), from the Latin invertebratus (not turned round), is a term coined by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, a French biologist, to refer to animals without a backbone or spinal column.
Invertebrates are a diverse group of animals that make up about 97% of all animal species. They include all animals apart from the subphylum Vertebrata. Invertebrates are found in a vast range of habitats, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountains.
Classification
Invertebrates can be classified into several main categories, some of which are taxonomically unstable. These include the Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, and others.
Characteristics
Invertebrates share several common features. They lack a backbone, have a simple nervous system, and most reproduce sexually. They can be found in nearly every environment on Earth and vary greatly in size, from microscopic organisms to giant squids.
Importance
Invertebrates play critical roles in their ecosystems. They are often the most abundant creatures in a habitat and are vital to the food chain. They also contribute to the decomposition of organic materials, pollination of plants, and maintenance of soil structure.
Related Terms
- Vertebrate: Animals with a backbone or spinal column.
- Arthropod: Invertebrates with an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and paired jointed appendages.
- Mollusca: A large phylum of invertebrate animals, many of which have a shell.
- Echinoderm: Marine animals that have a water vascular system, a variety of body forms, and a complex life cycle.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Invertebrate
- Wikipedia's article - Invertebrate
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