ZOOLOGY - INVERTEBRATES

Delve into the fascinating, little-known world of invertebrates and --

Learn the anatomy, behaviour, taxonomy and physiology of invertebrates!

• Microscopic through to larger animals.
• Worms, jellyfish and snails to arthropods and insects.

Invertebrates are the largest group of animals on Earth. 

Much of the Earth's ecosphere and agricultural production relies on the subtle yet essential functions of invertebrates. 

Study the anatomy, behaviour, taxonomy and physiology of invertebrates.

Lesson Structure

There are 9 lessons in this course:

1. Scope and Nature of Invertebrate Animals
2. Microscopic Animals
3. Worms and Worm-Like Animals
4. Sponges, Corals, Anemones, and Jellyfish
5. Molluscs and Echinoderms
6. Arthropods 1
7. Arthropods 2
8. Insects 1
9. Insects 2

Aims

• Describe the scope and nature of invertebrate animals; including similarities and differences between different groups of invertebrates.
• Describe and compare the structure and function of animals that cannot be seen readily with the naked eye.
• Describe and compare the structure and function of a variety of different worms and worm like animals.
• Describe and compare the structure and function of a variety of different sponges, corals and anemones.
• Describe and compare the structure and function of a variety of different molluscs and echinoderms.
• Describe and compare the structure and function of a variety of different arthropods.
• Explain the significance of arthropods to man
• Describe and compare the structure and function of a variety of different insects.
• Explain the significance of insects to man.

The Importance of Invertebrates

Invertebrates, like all living species, are required to locate and digest food, mate and reproduce, protect themselves, maintain internal bodily regulations and nutrients as well as remove waste products.  However, invertebrate species do these vital ‘life tasks' differently to vertebrate species. 

Despite being the largest taxonomic group, invertebrates are arguably the most cryptic and least studied of all animals. A constant subject of intrigue and fascination, scientists continue to make interesting discoveries in this field. Many species impact on humans, some positively, e.g., contributions to food production and medicines; and some negatively, e.g., disease vectors.

Why are there so many invertebrates and how do they maintain their high numbers?  Many species can survive in the most extreme environments on Earth.  Some are deep within the depths of the ocean, and some can survive within the freezing temperatures of Antarctica.  Some species are able to switch into dormant mode to enable their survival within these extreme conditions. Most invertebrate species are very small which allows them to avoid predation and persist needing less, i.e., food, shelter, space, etc.  Some species have wings which enhances their survival.  Reproduction rates are often very high with many species producing hundreds of eggs at a time.  Some females are able to store sperm and some species are parthenogenetic.  Also, some species can go through metamorphosis which further assists in their adaptation and survival. 

Over 95% of all species from the animal kingdom form part of this group, which accounts for over 1.37 million known species. They contribute to all of the world's essential functions in some way. Their variety and uniqueness is endlessly interesting!

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