Table of Contents
Introduction Vertebrates and Invertebrates
Both vertebrates and invertebrates are animals, but there are some key differences between them. Vertebrates have a backbone made of bones, while invertebrates do not. Invertebrates are generally smaller and simpler than vertebrates, and there are many more species of invertebrates than vertebrates.
Vertebrates are animals with a backbone made of bones. The backbone protects the spinal cord, and provides a framework for the attachment of muscles. There are five main groups of vertebrates: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Fish are the simplest vertebrates, and most are covered in scales. Amphibians are amphibious, meaning they can live on both land and in water. Reptiles are covered in dry, scaly skin, and include turtles, snakes, and lizards. Birds have feathers, and can fly. Mammals are warm-blooded, and have hair.
Invertebrates are animals without a backbone. The vast majority of animal species are invertebrates. Invertebrates include insects, spiders, crabs, and squid. Most invertebrates are much smaller than vertebrates. Invertebrates generally have a simpler body plan than vertebrates, and many lack a head or brain.
Invertebrates
They are animals without a backbone. This includes creatures such as insects, spiders, worms, and crabs. Invertebrates can found in nearly every environment on Earth, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks.
Morphology and Symmetry
Morphology is the study of the form and structure of organisms. This includes the shape of the organism, the size of the organism, and the arrangement of the organism’s parts.
Symmetry is the balance of form in an organism. Symmetry can radial, meaning that the organism is balanced around a central point, or bilateral, meaning that the organism is balanced on two opposite sides.
Nervous System
The nervous system is responsible for relaying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It consists of the brain, spinal cord, and a network of nerves that run throughout the body. The brain is the control center of the nervous system, and the spinal cord is the main pathway for messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
Respiratory System
The respiratory system is responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide. The process of respiration begins when air is inhaled through the nose and mouth. The air travels through the trachea and into the lungs, where the oxygen is absorbed into the blood and the carbon dioxide is exhaled.
Reproduction
- Some turtles and tortoises can reproduce without a male, but most need a male to fertilize the eggs.
- Most turtles and tortoises lay eggs on land. Some species, such as the snapping turtle, lay their eggs in water. The eggs hatch in about 60 days.
Classification of Invertebrates
Invertebrates are animals without a backbone. They can be classified into five main groups:
- Sponges
- Cnidarians
- Flatworms
- Roundworms
- Segmented worms
Vertebrates
- fish
- amphibians
- reptiles
- birds
- mammals
Anatomy and Morphology
- The body of a snake is elongated and covered in scales. Snakes have no limbs, and their eyes and nostrils are located on the top of their head. The mouth of a snake is full of sharp teeth, which are used for catching prey.
- The internal anatomy of a snake is unique. Snakes have a hinged jaw that allows them to swallow prey whole. They also have a long, coiled intestine that helps them digest prey.
Behavior
- Snakes are carnivores, and they eat a variety of prey, including rodents, lizards, and birds. They kill their prey by biting it and injecting venom.
- Snakes are ectothermic, meaning that they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. This means that they are inactive during the day and become active at night.
- Snakes are generally shy and secretive animals. They often hide in the underbrush or in tall grass. When they are threatened, they will often coil up and strike out at their attacker.
Vertebral Column
The vertebral column, or spinal column, is a series of bones in the back that protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
Gills
The gills are thin sheets of tissue on the underside of the cap that help the mushroom absorb nutrients from the soil.
Central Nervous System
The central nervous system (CNS) is a complex network of nerve cells that control all the activities of the body. It includes the brain and the spinal cord.
The CNS is protected by the skull and the vertebrae of the spinal cord.
Classification of Vertebrates:
There are two main types of vertebrates- fish and tetrapods. Fish are vertebrates that have fins and scales, while tetrapods are vertebrates that have limbs and toes.
Differences Between Invertebrates and Vertebrates
There are many differences between invertebrates and vertebrates. The most obvious difference is that invertebrates do not have a backbone, while vertebrates do. Invertebrates also tend to be smaller than vertebrates, and they typically have simpler body plans. Vertebrates, on the other hand, are often larger and have more complex body plans. Vertebrates also have a more developed nervous system, and they typically possess lungs and other respiratory organs.
