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Invertebrates

What is an invertebrate?

Scientists estimate that as many as 99% of all animal species are invertebrates. Invertebrates come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from microscopic organisms to giant squid. They can be found in virtually every habitat on earth, from oceans to rainforests. They may float, swim, fly, crawl, wiggle, or stay firmly attached to a surface (like sponges).

Invertebrates

The only thing all invertebrates have in common is their lack of a backbone. Here are five main groups of invertebrates.


  • Annelids

    These are known as segmented worms, such as earthworms and leeches.

  • Arthropods

    These include insects, spiders and crustaceans.

  • Cnidaria

    These include jellies, anemones and coral.

  • Echinoderms

    These include urchins and stars.

  • Mollusks

    These include snails and octopuses.

PLEASE NOTE NOT ALL ANIMALS ARE VIEWABLE AT ALL TIMES.

Invertebrates at the Zoo