The Animal Kingdom

Animals are either classed as vertebrates or invertebrates. Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone while invertebrates do not have a backbone. Vertebrates and invertebrates are further classified according to similar characteristics.

Vertebrates

Animals that are vertebrates include:

Reptiles

Have dry scaly skin.
Lay eggs on dry land.
Are cold blooded.
Breathe air with lungs.

Fish

Have scales on their bodies.
Have gills for breathing.
Are cold blooded.
Have fins.

Amphibians

Have moist slimy bodies.
Lay eggs in water.
Are cold blooded.
Young breathe from gills.
Adults breathe through their skin.

Birds

Have feathers and wings.
Have beaks and lay eggs.
Are warm blooded.
Live on land.

Mammals

Have fur or hair.
Feed young on milk.
Are warm blooded.
Live young
Breathe air from lungs.
Live on land.

Invertebrates

Animals that are invertebrates include:

Protozoa

Single cell organisms all microscopic.

Worms

Smooth and or ringed bodies.

Echinoderms

Spiny sea creatures.

Molluscs

Soft bodied, most have shells.

Arachnids

Eight legs
Two body parts
No antennae

Crustaceans

Mostly sea creatures
Many legs
Two sets of antennae

Insects

Wings
Six legs
Three body parts
One pair of antennae

Myriapods

Many legs
Many body parts

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