Invertebrates are animals that neither develop nor retain a vertebral column (commonly known as a spine or backbone), which evolved from the notochord. It is a paraphyletic grouping including all …

Jan 17, 2026 · Invertebrate, any animal that lacks a vertebral column, or backbone, in contrast to the cartilaginous or bony vertebrates. Apart from the absence of a vertebral column, invertebrates have …

Sep 13, 2025 · Invertebrates are animals that do not possess a vertebral column (spinal column or backbone). This includes all animals outside the subphylum Vertebrata.

Unlike vertebrates, which possess a vertebral column and constitute the subphylum Vertebrata, invertebrates are an informal group that includes sponges, cnidarians, echinoderms, flatworms, …

Invertebrates are animals without a backbone or bony skeleton. They range in size from microscopic mites and almost invisible flies to giant squid with soccer-ball-size eyes. This is by far the...

Explore facts and photos about invertebrates found in and around the United States. Learn about their range, habitat, diet, life history, and more.

The meaning of INVERTEBRATE is lacking a spinal column; also : of, relating to, or concerned with invertebrate animals. How to use invertebrate in a sentence.