Invertebrates vs. Vertebrae

Attribute	Invertebrates	Vertebrae
Body structure	Do not have a backbone	Have a backbone
Number of species	Over 97% of all animal species	Less than 3% of all animal species
Size range	Can range from microscopic to giant	Can range from tiny to gigantic
Respiratory system	Varies among different groups	Most have lungs or gills
Movement	Use muscles and hydrostatic skeleton for movement	Use muscles and skeleton for movement

Physical Characteristics

Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone or spinal column. They make up about 97% of all animal species on Earth. Invertebrates can range in size from microscopic organisms to large creatures like the giant squid. They have a wide variety of body shapes and structures, including soft bodies, hard exoskeletons, and tentacles.

Vertebrates, on the other hand, are animals that have a backbone or spinal column made up of individual vertebrae. This group includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Vertebrates tend to have more complex body structures compared to invertebrates, with specialized organs and systems such as a circulatory system, nervous system, and skeletal system.

Habitats

Invertebrates can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from the depths of the ocean to the tops of mountains. They are incredibly diverse and adaptable, able to thrive in a wide range of environments. Some invertebrates, like insects, have even colonized urban areas and can be found living alongside humans.

Vertebrates also inhabit a wide range of habitats, but they tend to be more specialized in their environmental requirements. For example, mammals are typically found on land, while fish are found in water. Vertebrates have evolved to fill specific ecological niches, with adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in their chosen habitats.

Reproduction

Invertebrates have a wide variety of reproductive strategies, including sexual and asexual reproduction. Some invertebrates, like insects and crustaceans, undergo complex courtship rituals before mating, while others, like jellyfish and sea stars, can reproduce by simply splitting in half. Invertebrates can also produce large numbers of offspring at once, increasing their chances of survival.

Vertebrates typically reproduce sexually, with males and females coming together to produce offspring. Vertebrates have internal fertilization, meaning that the sperm fertilizes the egg inside the female's body. Vertebrates also have a wide range of reproductive behaviors, from elaborate mating displays to parental care of offspring.

Diet

Invertebrates have a wide range of diets, depending on their species and habitat. Some invertebrates are herbivores, feeding on plants and algae, while others are carnivores, preying on other animals. Invertebrates can also be omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter. Some invertebrates, like earthworms, are detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter.

Vertebrates also have diverse diets, with species that are herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and detritivores. Vertebrates have evolved a wide range of feeding adaptations, from specialized teeth for grinding plant matter to sharp claws and teeth for capturing prey. Vertebrates also have complex digestive systems that allow them to extract nutrients from their food.

Evolutionary History

Invertebrates are some of the oldest and most diverse animals on Earth, with a fossil record that dates back over 600 million years. Invertebrates have evolved a wide range of body plans and adaptations, allowing them to colonize almost every habitat on Earth. Invertebrates have played a crucial role in shaping ecosystems and are essential for the functioning of food webs.

Vertebrates, on the other hand, are a relatively recent group of animals, with a fossil record that dates back around 500 million years. Vertebrates are thought to have evolved from a group of invertebrate animals known as chordates. Vertebrates have undergone rapid diversification and have evolved a wide range of adaptations that have allowed them to become some of the most successful animals on Earth.