Vertebrate and invertebrates animals Vertebrate and invertebrates

There are more than two million different kinds of animals in the world.

Some animals are very large like elephants and whales. 

Other animals are very small, like flies and ants

Animals move in different ways Animals move in different ways. They fly using their wings, run using their legs or swim using their fins.

Some animals, like snake, do not have legs, wings or fins. They slither. 

vertebrates many animals, like cats and dogs, have bones. They are vertebrates. Bones give the body its shape. 

The bones protect internal organs, like the lungs and the heart.   The bones protect internal organs, like the lungs and the heart.

The vertebrates have an internal skeleton.

Vertebrates are fish like tuna and salmon.

fish Fish are animals that live in the water. They have gills that allow them to breathe under water. Different species of fish may live in fresh water or salt water. Some examples of fish include the brook trout, the great white shark, lionfish, and the swordfish.

Vertebrates are amphibians like frogs and toads

amphibians Amphibians are cold-blooded animals. They start out their lives living in the water with gills just like fish. Later they develop lungs and can move to dry land. Amphibians include frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders.

Vertebrates are reptiles like turtle and lizards

reptiles Reptiles are cold-blooded animals which lay eggs. Their skin is covered with hard and dry scales. Reptile species include alligators, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and turtles.

Vertebrates are birds like parrots and eagles

birds Birds are animals that have feathers, wings, and lay eggs. Many, but not all, birds can fly. Some examples of bird species include the bald eagle, the cardinal, the flamingo, ostriches, and the red-tailed hawk.

Vertebrates are mammals like dogs, bears, pigs, cats, mice, bats.

mammals Mammals are warm-blooded animals that nurse their young with milk and have fur or hair. Some examples of mammals include humans, dolphins, giraffes, horses, and spotted hyenas.

invertebrates Other animals, like worms, do not have bones. They are invertebrates.

Some invertebrates have shells for protection, like snails.

Others have a hard outer covering, like beetles.

There are currently around 65,000 known species of vertebrate animals There are currently around 65,000 known species of vertebrate animals. This sounds like a lot, but vertebrates are only around 3% of all the animals on Earth. Most of the animal species are invertebrates. 

invertebrates Worm Fly Butterfly Bee Ant Spider Centipede Ladybug Beetle Snail