invertebrát

Invertebrates are animals that do not possess a vertebral column, also known as a backbone. This broad category encompasses the vast majority of animal species on Earth, with estimates suggesting that over 95% of all known animal life are invertebrates. They exhibit an immense diversity in form, habitat, and lifestyle, ranging from microscopic organisms to large, complex creatures.

The absence of a backbone means that invertebrates have evolved a wide array of alternative support structures and body plans. Some have exoskeletons, rigid outer coverings that provide both protection and structural support, such as insects, crustaceans, and arachnids. Others possess hydrostatic skeletons, fluid-filled cavities that provide support through internal pressure, like earthworms and jellyfish. Still others have internal skeletons or no skeleton at all.

Invertebrates inhabit virtually every environment on the planet, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, and from deserts to rainforests. They play crucial roles in ecosystems, acting as pollinators, decomposers, prey for other animals, and even as disease vectors. Their ecological importance is undeniable, contributing to nutrient cycling, soil formation, and the overall health of ecosystems. Examples of major invertebrate groups include mollusks (snails, clams, squid), arthropods (insects, spiders, crabs), echinoderms (starfish, sea urchins), annelids (earthworms, leeches), and cnidarians (jellyfish, corals). The study of invertebrates, known as invertebrate zoology, is a vast and essential field of biological research.