Invertebrates are animals that lack a backbone, also known as a spinal column or vertebral column. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from the tiniest insects to the giant squid.

Here are some examples of invertebrates:

• Insects: From butterflies and beetles to ants and bees, the insect world is incredibly diverse!
• Mollusks: Snails, clams, oysters, and octopuses are all mollusks, with or without a shell.
• Worms: Earthworms, roundworms, and flatworms may seem simple, but they’re an important part of the ecosystem.
• Echinoderms: Sea stars, sea urchins, and sand dollars may look spiky, but they’re all echinoderms.
• Jellyfish: These graceful creatures with stinging tentacles drift through the oceans and are invertebrates.

EtymologyEtymology is the study of the origin and history of words. It’s like detective work, tracing how words have changed over time and moved between languages. Think of it like this: • Words have a long history, just like old… Read More (Word OriginsWhat is an origin? An origin is the starting point, the place or source where something begins. It’s like the very first chapter in the story of that thing. Examples: • The origin of a river: Where the river first… Read More)

• Invertebrate comes from two Latin words:
  • “In-” meaning “not”
  • “Vertebra” meaning “joint” or “turning point” (referring to the backbone)

So, literally, “invertebrate” translates to “not having turning points,” which refers to the lack of a backbone with multiple bony sections.

Here are some additional points to remember:

• Over 90% of all animal species are invertebrates! They’re incredibly successful and have adapted to live in all sorts of environments.
• Even though they lack backbones, invertebrates have developed other ways to support their bodies and move around. Insects have exoskeletons (hard outer shells), worms have long, muscular bodies, and jellyfish use their bell-shaped bodies to pulsate through the water.
• Invertebrates play a vital role in the environment. They help pollinate plants, decompose organicThe word “organic” has two main meanings related to living organisms and the natural world. Here’s a breakdown of its definition, origin, and how it applies to food and health: Etymology and Origin: • Origin: The word “organic” stems from… Read More matter, and are a food source for many other animals.