Comparing and Contrasting Vertebrates and Invertebrates

Read the informational text and complete the graphic organizer. (Answers may vary.)
All animals eat, breathe, grow, and reproduce. They also respond to stimuli and have a definite life span. But not all animals
are alike. Based on their similarities and differences, animals can be classified into vertebrates and invertebrates.

Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone. The backbone is a column of bones that supports the body and protects
the spinal cord. Their well-developed internal skeleton enables vertebrates to move fast, and most vertebrates have two
pairs of limbs. The five major groups of vertebrates are fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. They also have a
highly developed brain, nervous system, circulatory system, respiratory system, and cells to cover the outside of their body.
Vertebrates tend to be large as compared to invertebrates. Some vertebrates give birth while some lay eggs. Vertebrates
live in various habitats but can accommodate more easily than invertebrates.

Invertebrates don't have a backbone, nor do they have a well-developed internal skeleton or internal systems. They either
have a soft body, like worms and jellyfish, or a hard outer casing called an exoskeleton covering their body, like spiders
and insects. Due to the lack of muscular and skeletal systems, invertebrates are small, and they move slowly. All
invertebrates lay eggs. Invertebrates are classified into many groups, seven of which are: the annelids, platyhelminths,
sponges, echinoderms, cnidarians, mollusks, and arthropods. Invertebrates are found in all habitats, but they generally
have a hard time adapting to a habitat that is out of their own.

Remarkably, the majority of the two million species of animals in the world are invertebrates, and only a small percentage
of them account for vertebrates.

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Comparing and Contrasting Vertebrates and Invertebrates

Vertebrates Invertebrates

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Comparing and Contrasting Vertebrates and Invertebrates Answer Key

Vertebrates Invertebrates

They have a backbone. They do not have a backbone.

They make up only a small They need food. They make up a large percentage

percentage of the animals in They move. of the animals in the world.

the world. They breathe. They do not have an internal

They have an internal skeleton. They grow. skeleton.

Vertebrates are usually big. They reproduce. Vertebrates are usually small.

They are able to move fast. They move slowly.

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