What is the Difference Between Vertebrates and Invertebrates?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between vertebrates and invertebrates is the presence or absence of a spine. Vertebrates possess a backbone and an internal skeleton, while invertebrates do not have a backbone and usually have an exoskeleton. Here are some key differences between the two:
Invertebrates:
- Lack a backbone and internal skeleton.
- Generally smaller than vertebrates, but some can grow to gigantic proportions.
- Have an open circulatory system.
- Majority have compound eyes.
- Include animals such as insects, arachnids, crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and jellyfish.
Vertebrates:
- Possess a backbone and an internal skeleton.
- Generally larger than invertebrates.
- Have a closed circulatory system.
- Do not have compound eyes.
- Include animals such as humans, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.
In terms of intelligence, vertebrates tend to have larger brains and are capable of higher thought processes compared to invertebrates. Invertebrates make up approximately 97% of all animals on Earth, while vertebrates account for only about 2%.
Comparative Table: Vertebrates vs Invertebrates
Here is a table comparing the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates:
| Feature | Vertebrates | Invertebrates |
|---|---|---|
| Backbone | Possess a backbone (spine) | Lack a backbone (spine), some have an exoskeleton for protection and support |
| Size | Generally larger than invertebrates, body size varies | Generally smaller than vertebrates, some species can grow to gigantic proportions |
| Circulatory System | Closed circulatory system (blood circulates through blood vessels) | Open circulatory system (blood flows through vessels and open spaces) |
| Sensory Organs | Well-developed sensory organs | Less developed or simpler sensory organs |
| Respiratory System | Gills or lungs for respiration | Respiration through gills, trachea, or diffusion across the body surface |
| Body Symmetry | Bilateral or radial body symmetry | Bilateral, radial, or asymmetrical body symmetry |
| Classification | Belong to Phylum Chordata | Belong to various phyla, such as Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, etc. |
Vertebrates are more complex organisms compared to invertebrates and possess a backbone, an internal skeleton system, and well-developed sensory organs. In contrast, invertebrates lack a backbone, have an open circulatory system, and usually have simpler sensory organs.
- Vertebrates vs Chordates
- Mammals vs Animals
- Plants vs Animals
- Mollusks vs Arthropods
- Birds vs Animals
- Aquatic vs Terrestrial Animals
- Insects vs Arachnids
- Fish vs Mammals
- Chordates vs Non Chordates
- Animal vs Human
- Mammals vs Amphibians
- Insects vs Spiders
- Mammals vs Birds
- Vertebra vs Vertebrae
- Tetrapods vs Amphibians
- Arachnids vs Crustaceans
- Mollusca vs Echinodermata
- Arthropods vs Annelids
- Reptiles vs Birds