invertebrate

Invertebrate classification

By Jana Khalaf

Traits

• Number of legs

• Body segments

• Exoskeleton or not

• Symmetry (bilateral or radial)

Body Symmetry

Bilateral Symmetry: Can be divided into two equal halves (e.g., ant, worm)
Radial Symmetry: Body arranged around a center point (e.g., starfish)
No Symmetry: Some animals, like sponges, have no clear shape

Exoskeleton

An exoskeleton is a hard outer shell that protects the animal’s body. It also supports movement and keeps the body from drying out.

Animals with exoskeletons: Crabs, insects, beetles

Adaptations of Invertebrates

Different invertebrates have adaptations to help them survive:

• Caterpillars blend in to avoid predators

• Octopuses can squirt ink to escape

• Spiders spin webs to catch food

Ecological Roles

Invertebrates help the environment in many ways!

• Bees pollinate flowers

• Earthworms make soil healthy

• Ants clean up dead material

Quick Fun Fact Slide

Did you know? An octopus has three hearts and blue blood! Starfish can regrow their arms if they lose one!