Invertebrátumok

Invertebrátumok is the Hungarian term for invertebrates, which are animals that lack a vertebral column, or backbone. This vast and diverse group constitutes approximately 95% of all known animal species. Invertebrates inhabit virtually every environment on Earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, and are found in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Their body plans, life cycles, and ecological roles are incredibly varied.

The phylum Arthropoda, which includes insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and myriapods, is the largest phylum of invertebrates, characterized by an exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages. Mollusks, another major phylum, encompass a wide range of soft-bodied animals, often with a shell, such as snails, clams, and squids. Other significant invertebrate groups include annelids (segmented worms), echinoderms (like starfish and sea urchins), cnidarians (such as jellyfish and corals), and sponges.

Invertebrates play crucial roles in ecosystems, serving as primary producers, herbivores, carnivores, decomposers, and pollinators. Their ecological importance is immense, underpinning food webs and maintaining ecological balance. Despite their diversity, the absence of a backbone is their defining characteristic, distinguishing them from the vertebrate animals.