What Are Invertebrates? | Learn the characteristics of invertebrate animals | Lesson Boosters

Summary

This educational video explores the fascinating world of invertebrates—animals without an internal skeleton or backbone. It highlights the diversity of invertebrates, from mollusks like snails and octopuses, to insects, crustaceans, and arachnids like spiders. The video also covers various protective adaptations, such as exoskeletons and stinging tentacles, that help invertebrates survive in different environments. Additionally, the video compares invertebrates to vertebrates, emphasizing how invertebrates make up 98% of animal species on Earth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Invertebrates are animals without an internal skeleton or backbone.
• 😀 Invertebrates come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
• 😀 Mollusks, like snails and octopuses, are examples of invertebrates that live in water and on land.
• 😀 Octopuses do not have bones or shells, and they can spray ink to defend themselves.
• 😀 Worms belong to the group of invertebrates known as annelids, and most of them live in moist environments.
• 😀 Insects, like bees, have an exoskeleton for protection and support.
• 😀 Crustaceans, such as lobsters and crabs, also have exoskeletons and mostly live in water.
• 😀 Jellyfish and sea anemones are cnidarians, which are invertebrates with stinging tentacles for protection.
• 😀 Echinoderms, such as starfish and sea cucumbers, are another group of invertebrates.
• 😀 Arachnids, like spiders, have eight legs and an exoskeleton for protection.
• 😀 Protozoa, the smallest animals on Earth, are simple, one-celled invertebrates.
• 😀 Invertebrates make up 98% of all animal species on Earth, while vertebrates make up only 2%.
• 😀 Vertebrates include mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and fish, all of which have backbones and internal skeletons.

Q & A

What defines an invertebrate?

An invertebrate is an animal that lacks an internal skeleton or backbone.

Can you name two examples of mollusks?

Two examples of mollusks are snails and octopuses.

Where do mollusks typically live?

Mollusks live in both water and some land habitats.

What unique defense mechanism does an octopus have?

An octopus can spray ink to blind its enemies as a defense mechanism.

What group do worms belong to, and where do they live?

Worms are part of the group of animals called annelids, and they mostly live in moist or wet environments.

What is an exoskeleton, and which animals have it?

An exoskeleton is an outer skeleton that protects and supports the body. Insects and crustaceans, like lobsters and crabs, have exoskeletons.

Are all crustaceans aquatic?

Most crustaceans live in water, but there are a few species that live on land.

What is a cnidarian, and can you give an example?

Cnidarians are a group of invertebrates that include animals like jellyfish and sea anemones. They have stinging tentacles for protection.

What type of invertebrates are arachnids, and how many legs do they have?

Arachnids are a group of invertebrates that include spiders. They have eight legs and an exoskeleton for support and protection.

What are protozoa, and why are they significant in the animal kingdom?

Protozoa are simple, one-celled invertebrates that are among the smallest animals on Earth. They are crucial to understanding the diversity of invertebrates.

What percentage of all animal species are invertebrates?

Invertebrates make up 98% of all animal species on Earth, with only 2% being vertebrates.