Comprehensive Study Guide: Fundamentals of Biology and Taxonomy

Invertebrates

Animals that lack a backbone or spinal column.

Cnidarians

A phylum of invertebrates including jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones, characterized by their stinging cells called nematocysts.

Arthropods

Invertebrates with exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages, including insects, arachnids, and crustaceans.

Mollusks

A diverse group of invertebrates that include snails, clams, and octopuses, often characterized by a soft body and, in many cases, a hard shell.

Echinoderms

Marine invertebrates such as starfish and sea urchins, known for their radial symmetry and a water vascular system.

Annelids

Segmented worms like earthworms and leeches, which have bodies divided into ring-like segments.