Vertebrates and Invertebrates

What is a characteristic of vertebrates?

• Animals with a backbone

• Animals with no backbone

• Radial symmetry

• Asymmetric

Answer explanation

Vertebrates are defined as animals with a backbone, which is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from invertebrates, which lack a backbone. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Animals with a backbone'.

Which of the following is an example of a vertebrate?

• Fish

• Sponges

• Jellyfish

• Worms

Answer explanation

Fish are vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone. In contrast, sponges, jellyfish, and worms do not possess a backbone, classifying them as invertebrates.

Vertebrates have an endoskeleton. What does this mean?

• A) Bones inside their body

• B) No bones

• C) External shell

• D) Soft body

Answer explanation

Vertebrates possess an endoskeleton, meaning they have bones inside their body (Choice A). This structure supports and protects their internal organs, unlike options B, C, and D, which describe different anatomical features.

Fill in the blank: Vertebrates can be _________.

• Ectotherm

• Endotherm

• Asymmetric

• Radial

Answer explanation

Vertebrates can be ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is regulated by external sources, or endothermic, where they maintain a constant internal temperature. Asymmetric and radial are terms related to body symmetry, not temperature regulation.

Which of the following is NOT an example of a vertebrate?

• A) Birds

• B) Mammals

• C) Amphibians

• D) Octopus

Answer explanation

An octopus is a mollusk, not a vertebrate. Vertebrates include animals like birds, mammals, and amphibians, which have a backbone. Therefore, the correct answer is D) Octopus.

What is a characteristic of invertebrates?

• Animals with a backbone

• Animals with no backbone

• Endoskeleton

• Endotherm

Answer explanation

Invertebrates are defined as animals that lack a backbone. This distinguishes them from vertebrates, which do have a backbone. Therefore, the correct characteristic of invertebrates is 'Animals with no backbone'.

Which of the following is an example of an invertebrate?

• Snails

• Birds

• Reptiles

• Mammals

Answer explanation

Snails are invertebrates, meaning they lack a backbone. In contrast, birds, reptiles, and mammals are all vertebrates, which possess a spinal column.

Invertebrates can have which type of body symmetry?

• Radial

• Bilateral

• Asymmetric

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Invertebrates can exhibit various body symmetries: radial symmetry (like jellyfish), bilateral symmetry (like worms), and asymmetry (like sponges). Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.

Fill in the blank: Invertebrates are animals with _________.

• a backbone

• no backbone

• an endoskeleton

• an ectotherm

Answer explanation

Invertebrates are defined as animals that lack a backbone. This distinguishes them from vertebrates, which do have a backbone. Therefore, the correct answer is 'no backbone'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is NOT an example of an invertebrate?

• Spiders

• Butterflies

• Fish

• Starfish

Answer explanation

Fish are vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone, while spiders, butterflies, and starfish are all invertebrates, lacking a backbone. Therefore, fish is NOT an example of an invertebrate.