Animals: Vertebrates and Invertebrates
These sites explain how vertebrates and invertebrates are classified in the animal kingdom. There is information about the five groups of vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) and the seven phylum of invertebrates (sponges, coelenterates, echinoderms, worms, mollusks, and arthropods). Includes games that have students guess a type of animal based upon clues about its characteristics. For more information about specific animal species, browse our alphabetical listing of eThemes animal topics.
Grades
- 3,
- 4,
- 5,
- 6,
- 7
Links
-
Temperate Ocean: Ocean Animals
Click on “Ocean Animals” at the bottom left to learn about different types of vertebrates and invertebrates that live in the ocean. Includes descriptions, images, and information about each animal’s class, order, habitat, and more.
-
Quia: Animal Classifications
Take this online quiz to find out out how well you know which class each animal belongs to. To play, click on a box on the left, then click on the correct answer on the right (don’t try clicking and dragging).
-
Fact Monster: Vertebrates and Invertebrates
This encyclopedia entry explains the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates and gives a description of the different groups. NOTE: The site includes ads.
-
Fact Monster: Classifying Animals
Read how animals are classified from kindgoms to phylums and on down to species. Includes an example. NOTE: The site includes ads.
-
Kidport: Reference Library
This site includes photographs of different types of vertebrates and invertebrates. NOTE: Several of the external links are broken.
-
Kidport: Quiz
Try this online quiz about vertebrates and invertebrates.
-
Animal Kingdom
This site for kids has brief descriptions of the different types of animals. Click on both of the “MORE” buttons at the bottom. NOTE: This site contains ads.
-
KidsCom
Click on a group of animals, then choose one of the games for clues about a species of animal. You will have five chances to guess.
-
Sea World/Busch Gardens
This site has a lot of information about different types of animals. Click on “Animal Sounds Library” for audio files.
-
InsectSafari: Name That Insect!
Click on “Name That Bug” to see how fast you can identify the insects, which are invertebrates.
-
Invertebrate Key?
Choose one of the selections from each menu that will help you identify a specific kind of invertebrate. Includes pictures.
-
Lesson Plan: Classify That!
Students can expand their knowledge of living things and gain an understanding of classification systems with this lesson plan.
-
Yahooligans Animals
Here are links to different mammals, fishes, insects, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Students can classify them as either vertebrate or invertebrate.
-
BrainPOP!: Vertebrates
Watch a video with Tim and Moby about vertebrates, then take a pop quiz. There is additional information about vertebrate classes, an experiment, a timeline, and more. NOTE: This site is available by subscription only.
-
PBS: Shape of Life: The Animals
This is a table showing eight kinds of animals. Click on the name of the grouping, or phylum, to learn more.
-
Introduction to Vertebrates
What makes a vertebrate a vertebrate? Learn about the group of animals that have internal skeletons. Includes a natural history and several good illustrations. NOTE: Reading level is for older students.
-
Introduction to Cnidaria
Learn about jellyfish, corals, and other stinging kinds of marine invertebrates. The site includes colorful photographs and a historic overview of the species.
-
eThemes Resource: Alphabetical Listing
Click on the “A” and scroll to the many resources on animals. Students can choose between vertebrates and invertebrates. NOTE: Teachers should review all sites before sharing with students. Please report any broken or inappropriate links to eThemes staff.
Education Standards
- AL
- MO
- NV
