Examples of Invertebrates Animals
August 6, 2023
Invertebrates are animal that do not have vertebral column or backbone. They are found in every ecosystem.
Also Read About Locomotion Methods in Terrestrial Invertebrates
9 Examples of Invertebrates
Here are 9 Examples of invertebrates, their habitat, and why they are considered invertebrates:
1. Insects
- Habitat: Land, water, and air
- Why considered an invertebrate: Insects do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a hard exoskeleton, three pairs of legs, and two pairs of wings (in most cases).
- Interesting fact: There are over 1 million known species of insects, making them the most diverse group of animals on Earth.
2. Spiders
- Habitat: All parts of the world, except for Antarctica
- Why considered an invertebrate: Spiders do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have eight legs, a hard exoskeleton, and chelicerae, which are two fangs that inject venom into their prey.
- Interesting fact: Spiders are not insects. They are arachnids, which is a separate class of invertebrates.
3. Snails
- Habitat: Land, water, and even trees
- Why considered an invertebrate: Snails do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a soft body that is protected by a shell. They have a head with a pair of eyes and a pair of tentacles.
- Interesting fact: Snails can breathe through their skin, which means they can survive underwater for short periods of time.
Read How Soft Bodied Invertebrates Move
4. Clams
- Habitat: Both saltwater and freshwater habitats
- Why considered an invertebrate: Clams do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a hard shell that is closed on both ends. They have a muscular foot that they use to burrow in the sand or mud.
- Interesting fact: Clams are filter feeders, which means they eat tiny plants and animals that are suspended in the water.
5. Earthworms
- Habitat: Soil
- Why considered an invertebrate: Earthworms do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a long, segmented body. They have a soft body that is covered in mucus.
- Interesting fact: Earthworms are essential for the health of the soil. They help to aerate and fertilize the soil, which makes it more productive for plants.
6. Jellyfish
- Habitat: Both saltwater and freshwater habitats
- Why considered an invertebrate: Jellyfish do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a gelatinous body and a central mouth. They have stinging cells that they use to defend themselves and capture prey.
- Interesting fact: Jellyfish are one of the oldest animals on Earth. They have been around for over 500 million years.
7. Octopuses
- Habitat: Both saltwater and freshwater habitats
- Why considered an invertebrate: Octopuses do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a head with eight arms. They have a hard beak and sharp suckers on their arms.
- Interesting fact: Octopuses are very intelligent animals. They are able to solve puzzles and escape from complex traps.
8. Starfish
- Habitat: Both saltwater and freshwater habitats
- Why considered an invertebrate: Starfish do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a spiny skin. They have five arms that are connected to a central disk.
- Interesting fact: Starfish can regenerate their limbs. If a starfish loses an arm, it can grow a new one.
9. Sponges
- Habitat: Water
- Why considered an invertebrate: Sponges do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They are the simplest invertebrates. They are filter feeders that live in water. Sponges do not have a brain or a nervous system.
- Interesting fact: Sponges are filter feeders. They eat tiny plants and animals that are suspended in the water.
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