Vertebrate and invertebrate animals

There are more than two million different kinds of animals in the world.

Some animals are very large like elephants and whales. 

Other animals are very small, like flies and ants

Animals move in different ways Animals move in different ways. They fly using their wings, run using their legs or swim using their fins.

Some animals, like snake, do not have legs, wings or fins. They slither. 

Vertebrate animals Many animals, like cats and dogs, have bones. They are vertebrate animals. Bones give the body its shape. 

The bones protect internal organs, like the lungs and the heart.   The bones protect internal organs, like the lungs and the heart.

The vertebrates have an internal skeleton.

Vertebrates classification Fish Live in water. (Fresh water or salt water) Have gills that allow them to breathe under water. Examples of fish include the brook trout, the great white shark, lionfish, and the swordfish.

Amphibians Amphibians are cold-blooded animals. When they grow, they develop lungs and can move to dry land. Amphibians include frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders.

Reptiles Reptiles are cold-blooded animals. Lay eggs. Their skin is covered with hard and dry scales. Reptile species include alligators, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and turtles.

Birds Have feathers, wings, and lay eggs. The majority of birds can fly. Some examples of bird species include the bald eagle, the cardinal, the flamingo, ostrich, etc.

Mammals Mammals are warm-blooded animals Nurse their young with milk Have fur or hair. Some examples of mammals include humans, dolphins, giraffes, horses, etc.

Invertebrate animals Other animals, like worms, do not have bones. They are invertebrates.

Some invertebrates have shells for protection, like snails.

Others have a hard outer covering, like beetles.

Invertebrate animals Worm Fly Butterfly Bee Ant Spider Centipede Ladybug Beetle Snail