What is an Animal?

All animals are living things so all animals: – Use energy – Reproduce – Grow and develop – Respond to changes in their environment – Are made from cells

By the Numbers Over 1 million species of animals 5% are classified as vertebrates or animals with a backbone 95% are classified as invertebrates or animals without a backbone All animals fall under the Eukarya Domain so all animals have cells which each contain a nucleus All animals are in the Animal Kingdom

Common Animal Characteristics Multicellular – All animals are made of many cells, all of their cells have a nucleus and all cells are surrounded by a cell membrane Reproduction – Most animals reproduce using sex cells, eggs and sperm. The two join during fertilization and a new organism is formed. Embryos are organisms at an early stage of development.

Specialized parts – Animals have specialized parts that help them survive in their environments. Examples include wings, beaks, tails, ears, organs, muscles and tissues. Movement – Most animals move from place to place. Examples include fly, run, swim, and jump. Animals use movement to search for food, shelter, or mates

Consuming – All animals eat other organism or parts of other organism to survive. Animals eat to get energy for survival