Invertebrates An invertebrate is a member of the Animal Kingdom without a backbone.

Like all members of the animal kingdom, invertebrates: 1. Are eukaryotic 2. Carry out sexual reproduction 3. Can move at some point in their life 4. Have many cells 5. Get food from at outside source (ingests)

One difference between invertebrates is their symmetry, or body shape. They may have radial symmetry and be organized around a center.

They may have bilateral symmetry, and have two similar halves.

Or they be asymmetrical and have no equal divisions, like Our first group of invertebrates the SPONGES.

Hey, Kids! Just to let you know…. Sponges can’t really talk, don’t work in restaurants and usually don’t wear pants! We don’t even have brains!

Some facts about sponges: 1.They are asymmetrical. 2. They have one main opening at the top, and as adults live Attached to the ocean floor (are sessile).

3. Sponges are “filter feeders’. Water enters through pores, bringing food in with it. Collar cells have flagella, which move to help bring water in.

4. Sponges have a basic “skeletal” structure made up of spicules. 5. Many have stinging cells.

6. Sponges may reproduce either asexually by budding..

Or they may reproduce sexually and form a larvae, or free-swimming “baby” sponge, which will attach to the bottom.

Sponges belong to the Phylum Porifera, which refers to the pores in its body. They are the simplest type of animal.