Invertebrates are animals that neither develop nor retain a vertebral column (commonly known as a spine or backbone), which evolved from the notochord. It is a paraphyletic grouping including all …

Nov 26, 2025 · invertebrate, any animal that lacks a vertebral column, or backbone, in contrast to the cartilaginous or bony vertebrates. More than 90 percent of all living animal species are invertebrates.

Sep 13, 2025 · Invertebrates are animals that do not possess a vertebral column (spinal column or backbone). This includes all animals outside the subphylum Vertebrata.

As the name suggests, ‘invertebrates’ are organisms that are not vertebrates, meaning they lack a vertebral column or backbone, unlike their counterparts.

Invertebrates are animals without a backbone or bony skeleton. They range in size from microscopic mites and almost invisible flies to giant squid with soccer-ball-size eyes. This is by far the...

Explore facts and photos about invertebrates found in and around the United States. Learn about their range, habitat, diet, life history, and more.

Invertebrates are animals without backbones. Fig. 3.2 shows some examples of invertebrate animals. Ask most people to give you an example of an animal, and they will answer with familiar examples …