WRITTEN REPORT FOR BILOGY

“INVERTEBRATES”

GROUP 3 MEMBERS:

Abbas, Sulffy V.
Abo, Ahmad K.
Buscato, Alexa Mikylla V.
Kundi, Jannis T.
Manaros, Imran S.
Midsapak, Nori L.
Orquiola, Kaycee Rose B.
Singh, Al-Faidah U.

Year / Course / Section: Bachelor of Science in Psychology-2B

Schedule Code: 2437

Date: November 9, 2024

Invertebrates: A World Without Backbones

Invertebrates are a huge group of animals that don't have a backbone, or spinal column.
They're actually the largest group of animals on Earth! It's kind of amazing to think about how
many different types of invertebrates there are, and how important they are to the planet.

Key Features of Invertebrates

No backbone. This is the main thing that makes them different from vertebrates, like
humans, dogs, and birds. Invertebrates come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny little insects to
enormous giant squid. They're super diverse! You can find invertebrates in all sorts of places, from
the ocean to the forest, even in your own backyard. Invertebrates play a big role in keeping
ecosystems healthy. They pollinate flowers, break down dead things, and are food for other
animals.

Why They Matter

Invertebrates are really important for the health of our planet. They help keep things
balanced and are a big part of what makes the world so interesting and diverse.

Invertebrates: More Than Just Bugs!

You might think of invertebrates as just bugs, but they're way more important than you
think! They're like the unsung heroes of the planet, doing tons of stuff to keep things running
smoothly.

Here's why invertebrates are essential:

 Food Chain Superstars:

Invertebrates are like the base of the food chain. Lots of animals eat them, from birds to fish to
even bigger invertebrates! Without them, many other animals wouldn't have anything to eat.

 Pollination Powerhouse:

Insects like bees, butterflies, and moths are super important for pollinating plants. They help move
pollen from one flower to another, which is how plants make seeds and fruits. Without pollination,
we wouldn't have lots of the foods we love, like apples, oranges, and berries.

 Clean-up Crew:

Invertebrates, like earthworms and beetles, are nature's cleanup crew. They break down
dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil so new plants can grow. Think of them as
nature's recyclers!
  Biodiversity Boosters:

Invertebrates make up a huge part of Earth's biodiversity, meaning they help make the
planet a super interesting and varied place. They have all sorts of cool adaptations and ways of
living, which is super fascinating.

Imagine if there were no more bees to pollinate flowers, no earthworms to break down
dead leaves, and no insects to feed birds. The world would be a very different, and probably a lot
less healthy, place!

The Concept of Phyla in Biological Classification

Phyla (plural: phylum) are one of the main taxonomic levels in biological classification that
are used to group living things according to their structural and evolutionary similarities. The
Linnaean system, a taxonomic framework, divides life into a number of hierarchical levels,
including Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. A phylum is a
high-level grouping that includes sizable, varied collections of organisms that shape basic
structural traits or body plans. Each kingdom, such as the Animalia (animals) or Plantae (plants),
is subdivided into multiple phyla, each representing a distinct body plan and evolutionary lineage.
Studying biodiversity and evolutionary biology requires an understanding of phyla since it sheds
light on the common ancestry and adaptations of many life forms.

Organisms within a single phylum have specific common traits that distinguish them from
those in other phyla. These shared traits, which include things like body symmetry, the existence
or lack of a backbone, and other distinguishing anatomical features, are usually essential to the
organism’s body structure. Scientists can classify life forms according to broad, defining
characteristics by using phyla in biological classification. Researchers can examine patterns in
biodiversity, examine evolutionary relationships, and to understand how distinct groups of
creatures have adapted to different environments by classifying organisms into phyla. Researchers
may determine ancestral traits and track the evolutionary lineage of distinct groupings with the use
of phyla.

PHYLUM PORIFERA

The ancient and basic phylum Porifera, or sponges, is distinguished by its porous bodies,
absence of real tissues, and special filter-feeding mechanism. Specialized cells found in sponges
include amoebocytes, which sustain their structure and aid in digesting, and choanocytes, or collar
cells, which produce water currents for feeding. Their skeletons are also made up of spongin, a
flexible protein, and spicules, which are tiny, stiff structures.

Although certain species can be found in freshwater, sponges are mostly found in marine
habitats, where they adhere to solid surfaces like rocks and coral reefs. They are essential to the
ecology because they filter vast amounts of water, help with the cycling of nutrients, and serve as
habitat for tiny marine life.

Examples: Euspongia Officinalis (Bath Sponge)

Cliona Celata (Boring Sponge)

Spongilla Lacustris

PHYLUM CNIDARIA

Phylum Cnidaria is a complex collection of aquatic invertebrates distinguished by their

radial symmetry, basic body structure, and specialized stinging cells known as cnidocytes, which
contain nematocysts utilized for defense and capture. Cnidarians have two body types: polyps,
which are often sessile and cylindrical with tentacles around the mouth (as seen in sea anemones),
and medusas, which are free-swimming, bell-shaped forms with tentacles hanging down (as seen
in jellyfish). Their bodies are made up of three layers: the epidermis on the outside, the
gastrodermis on the inside, and the mesoglea, a gelatinous layer between the two. They have a
basic digestive cavity known as the gastrovascular cavity, which is where they digest and absorb
nutrients.

Cnidarians live largely in marine environments, ranging from shallow coastal zones to
deep-sea ecosystems; however, certain species, like as the freshwater Hydra, thrive in non-marine
habitats. They have important ecological roles by producing coral reefs, which support a variety
of marine species.

Examples: Aurelia aurita (Moon Jelly)

Physalia physalis (Portuguese Man o’ War)

Acropora species (Reef-building Corals).

PHYLUM PLATYHELMINTHES

The phylum Platyhelminthes, or flatworms, is made up of basic, soft-bodied invertebrates

with a flattened body structure that allows for efficient diffusion of nutrients and gasses because
they lack a circulatory or respiratory system. Their body is bilaterally symmetrical, with three
primary tissue layers which are ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm but no body cavity or
acoelomate. Flatworms have a primitive digestive system with a single aperture that functions as
both mouth and anus, as well as sensory organs and a rudimentary neurological system consisting
of a “brain” which is a cluster of nerve cells, and nerve cords.

Flatworms live in different kinds of habitats, including marine, freshwater, and moist
terrestrial ecosystems. Some species are free-living, such as Planaria, which can be found in
freshwater streams and ponds; others are parasitic, such as Taenia (tapeworms) and Schistosoma
(blood flukes), which live inside host creatures, including people. These parasitic flatworms have
a considerable medical impact on human and animal health, while free-living species are key
components of aquatic food networks.

Examples: Planaria, Taenia (Tapeworms), and Schistosoma (Blood Flukes)

Phylum Nematoda (Roundworms)

The organisms belonging to the phylum Nematoda are also known as “roundworms”.
There are 28000 species of Nematoda identified till date. They are unsegmented vermiform
animals. The epidermis has dorsal and ventral nerve cords. They occur naturally and are very hard
to detect visually. These are common soil pests that affect plants.

The Nematodes present in the soil feed on the bacteria, fungi, and other nematodes, and
play an important role in nutrient recycling. They also attack the insects and control the pests.
However, they cause severe damage to plants. They feed on the plant roots and reduce the nutrient
uptake and stress tolerance of the plant.
 A spadeful of soil contains numerous Nematodes. They cause diseases such as Ascariasis,
Trichuriasis, Hookworm, Enterobiasis, Filariasis, and Angiostrongyliasis in humans.

Characteristics of Nematoda (Roundworms)

 Tubular in appearance. It has an elongated and thin body (hair-like).

 The alimentary canal is distinct, but the head and tail are not visually different.
 The majority of these are tiny and can be microscopic.
 They are free-living organisms.
 They reproduce sexually. They produce amoeboid sperm cells.
 They have a nervous system.
 They are parasites of both plants and animals.
 They have cuticles that moult periodically.

Body Structure of Nematoda (Roundworms)

Nematodes Habitat

Nematodes occur in a variety of habitats. The majority occur in marine and soil
environments, and a number are found in fresh waters, especially in stream beds and lake bottoms.
Special habitats include hot springs, arctic ice packs and subterranean caves. Additionally there
are plant parasites which feed on a wide variety of trees, shrubs and herbs. Other groups parasitize
in invertebrates. The groups that cause damage to human’s crops and livestock have been most
studied because of the need to control them. Beneficial nematodes include those that attack pest
insects and other invertebrates, and several species are presently sold by commercial companies.

Nematodes can be arranged in either ecological or nutritional categories. Most nematodes

found in soil can be placed in the ecological group of free-living nematodes. Other ecological
categories include those intimately associated with plants, invertebrates and vertebrates.
Nutritional categories include the ‘microbotrophic’ nematodes that utilize bacteria and other
microorganisms as a source of nourishment; the predaceous forms that attack microinvertebrates
in the environment; those that obtain nourishment from plants; and others that parasitize
invertebrates and vertebrates.

Examples of Nematoda:

Pinworms

The scientific name for pinworms is

Enterobius vermicularis. In humans, they
cause enterobiasis, which can cause anal
itching, poor sleep, nervousness, and
restlessness.

Whipworms

The scientific name for whipworms is

Trichuris trichiura. They cause trichuriasis,
which can cause abdominal pain and bloody
stool.

Ascaris Lumbricoides

This is the most common nematode in

the human small intestine. Infection can
cause fever, weight loss, and gastrointestinal
symptoms.
Filarial worms are microscopic, parasitic
roundworms that cause filariasis, a group of
diseases that affect millions of people in
tropical and subtropical regions:

Phylum Annelida (Segmented Worms)

Phylum Annelida is a very broad phylum belonging to the kingdom Animalia. The term
Annelida is derived from two words one is Latin, annulus means a ring and another is Greek, eidos
means form. Annelids are typical animals that burrow or crawl upon the bottom in the ocean or in
fresh water. Some are free swimming, at least during the breeding season, and others are adapted
to life in moist soil. Many marine species build permanent tube which they inhabit and in other
species the tube is temporary, like a burrow, and may be abandoned for another

Characteristics of Annelida
 The characteristics of the organisms present in the Phylum Annelida are as follows:
 The Annelids are coelomate and triploblastic.
 They exhibit organ system level organization.
 Their body is segmented.
  They respire through their body surface.
 Nephridia are the excretory organs.
 They have a well-developed circulatory and digestive system.
 Their body contains hemoglobin, which gives them a red colour.
 Regeneration is a very common characteristic of the Annelids.
 Setae help them in movement.
 Most of the Annelids are hermaphrodite, i.e., male and female organs are present in the
same body. They reproduce both sexually and asexually. The others reproduce sexually.

Body Structure of Annelida

Habitat of Annelida

The Annelids are found in aquatic as well as terrestrial environments. These are bilaterally
symmetrical invertebrate organisms. Their segmented body distinguishes them from any other
organism.
Examples of Annelida:
Earthworms (Oligochaetes): A common
annelid that is found worldwide.

Leeches (Hirudine): A parasitic annelid that

lives off of blood

Polychaetes: A marine annelid that is the

most diverse annelid.

Phylum Mollusca
The animals belonging to the phylum Mollusca have soft-bodies, triploblastic and
bilaterally symmetrical and coelomate. The study of Mollusca is called Malacology. They are
sluggish invertebrates, with a thin fleshy envelope or mantle covering the visceral organs.
The term Mollusca was derived from the term given by Aristotle to cuttlefish. Mollusc
means soft.
Mollusca Characteristics:
 They are mostly found in marine and freshwater. Very few are terrestrial and found in
moist soil.
 They exhibit organ system level of organization.
 Their body has a cavity.
 The body is divided into head, visceral mass, muscular foot and mantle.
 The head comprises of tentacles and compound eyes.
 The body is covered by a calcareous shell.
 The muscular foot helps in locomotion.
 They have a well-developed digestive system, the radula is the rasping organ for feeding.
 Respiration in Mollusca occurs through the general body surface, gills or pulmonary sac.
 The blood circulates through the open circulatory system.
 They have a pair of metanephridia that helps in excretion.
 The nervous system in Mollusca consists of number of paired ganglia and nerves.
 The tentacles, eyes, osphradium, and statocysts act as the sensory organs.
 The sexes are separate in most of the molluscs but some species are
hermaphrodites. Fertilization may be external or internal.
 They are generally oviparous with indirect development.
Body Structure of Mollusca
Habitat of Mollusca
Mollusca organisms are found in the terrestrial as well as in deep seas. Their size ranges
from microscopic organisms to organisms 20 meters long.
They play a very important role in the lives of humans. They are a source of jewelry as
well as food. Natural pearls are formed within these molluscs.
The bivalve molluscs are used as bio indicators in the marine and freshwater environments.
But few of them such as snails and slugs are pests.

Examples of Mollusca:

Gastropoda: A large class of mollusks that

include snails, slugs, and their relatives.
They can live in freshwater, brackish, marine,
and terrestrial environments.

Cephalopoda: A class of marine mollusks

that includes octopuses, squids, and
nautiluses. They have tentacles instead of
feet and are highly evolved.

Monoplacophora (Neopilina): A class of

mollusks with cap-like shells that live on the
ocean floor. They were well-known as fossils
from the Cambrian to the Devonian.

Aplacophora (Solenogastres, and

Caudofoveata): A small group of marine
mollusks that lack shells and feet. They have
a worm-like appearance and their mantle
secretes tiny calcareous spicules over their
bodies.
Phylum Arthropoda, Phylum Echinodermata, and Phylum Ctenophora
Arthropoda, Echinodermata, and Ctenophora are three distinct phyla of animals that belong
to the Bilateria super group. Each phylum contains a diversity of species with unique
characteristics and adaptations. In this report, a brief overview of each phylum, their
characteristics, and some examples of animal species found in each phylum will be provided to
highlight their diversity and biological importance.
In terms of characteristics, Arthropoda is a phylum of animals known for having a
segmented body, external exoskeleton, jointed appendages, and a body plan that is typically
bilaterally symmetrical. The Echinodermata phylum is characterized by having a unique water
vascular system and a distinctive body plan with five-fold symmetry. Ctenophora is a phylum of
marine animals that have a jelly-like body, tentacular cirri, and eight rows of cilia for locomotion.
In terms of species, examples of animals belonging to each phylum include insects, sea stars, and
comb jellies, respectively.
1). Arthropoda is a large phylum of animals that includes some of the most diverse and abundant
species on earth. It is estimated that there are approximately 1.2 million known species of
arthropods, making up nearly three-quarters of all described animal species. Arthropods have a
number of distinct characteristics, including a segmented body plan, a hard exoskeleton, and
jointed appendages.
Arthropods are found in nearly every habitat on earth, from the deepest parts of the oceans
to the highest mountain peaks, and are adapted to a wide range of lifestyles, from being parasites
to being decomposers. Some common examples of arthropods include insects, spiders,
crustaceans, and millipedes. In terms of importance, arthropods play a crucial role in our ecosystem
by serving as both predators and prey, as well as being important decomposers and recyclers. It is
estimated that arthropods make up about 80% of all animal biomass on earth.
2) Echinodermata is a phylum of marine animals that includes sea stars, sea urchins, and brittle
stars. The defining characteristic of this phylum is the presence of a unique water vascular system,
which is a network of fluid-filled canals that connects to the exterior of the animal through
specialized structures called tube feet. This system allows echinoderms to move and manipulate
their environment through fluid pressure.
3) Ctenophora is a phylum of marine animals that includes comb jellies. Ctenophores are notable
for their unique feeding and locomotion mechanisms, which involve the use of eight rows of cilia
for both moving and catching prey. They are also characterized by their gelatinous bodies and the
presence of specialized cells called colloblasts, which are used to capture prey.
Ctenophores are typically small, transparent animals that live in all oceans and can be
found in a variety of habitats, including the open ocean and the benthos.
LIFE PROCESS OF INVERTEBRATES
Invertebrates are animals that lack a vertebral column (backbone). Despite their simple
body structures, invertebrates have developed various methods to carry out essential life processes
like respiration, circulation, reproduction and movement allowing them to survive in a wide range
of environments.
Respiration in Invertebrates
Respiration is the process by which organisms exchange gases (mainly oxygen and carbon
dioxide) with their environment to support cellular metabolism. Invertebrates have evolved
different respiratory structures and mechanisms depending on their habitat.
A. Aquatic Invertebrates
Aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans and some mollusks, often use gills for
respiration.
B. Terrestrial Invertebrates
Terrestrial invertebrates, such as insects, typically use a tracheal system for respiration.
Circulation in Invertebrates
Circulation is responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout
the body. Invertebrates may have open or closed circulatory systems depending on their
complexity.
A. Open Circulatory System
Most invertebrates, including insects and mollusks, possess an open circulatory system.
B. Closed Circulatory System
Some more advanced invertebrates, such as earthworms and certain cephalopods like squid
and octopuses, have a closed circulatory system.

Reproduction in Invertebrates
Invertebrates exhibit a wide range of reproductive strategies, both sexual and asexual, that allow
them to adapt to different environments.
A. Sexual Reproduction
Most invertebrates reproduce sexually, involving the fusion of male and female gametes to
produce offspring with genetic diversity.
• External Fertilization: Common in aquatic invertebrates like sponges and jellyfish, where eggs
and sperm are released into the water, and fertilization occurs externally.
 • Internal Fertilization: Found in many terrestrial invertebrates, such as insects and some
mollusks. Here, fertilization occurs within the female body, providing added protection to
developing embryos.
B. Asexual Reproduction
Some invertebrates can reproduce without the need for gametes, creating genetically
identical offspring.
• Budding: Observed in sponges and hydras, where a new organism grows as an outgrowth on
the parent and eventually detaches.
• Fragmentation: Seen in starfish and certain worms, where parts of the body break off and grow
into complete individuals.
• Parthenogenesis: A process where females produce offspring without fertilization, common in
some insects like aphids, allowing rapid population growth.

Movement in Invertebrates
Movement is essential for invertebrates to find food, escape predators, and reproduce.
Invertebrates have evolved different structures and methods to move effectively.
A. Muscular Movement
Most invertebrates rely on muscle contractions to move.
• Arthropods: Insects, arachnids, and crustaceans have jointed appendages attached to a hard
exoskeleton. Muscles pull on these appendages, allowing walking, jumping, and flying.
• Mollusks: Some mollusks, such as octopuses, use a muscular foot or arms. Octopuses use their
arms and a jet-propulsion system to move quickly through the water.
B. Hydrostatic Skeletons
Invertebrates like earthworms and jellyfish use a hydrostatic skeleton, where fluid within body
cavities creates pressure for movement.
• Earthworms: Move by contracting and relaxing circular and longitudinal muscles, which push
their body forward in segments.
• Cnidarians (e.g., jellyfish): Propel themselves by contracting their bell-shaped bodies, pushing
water out to move through the water column.
C. Ciliary Movement
Some microscopic invertebrates, like ciliates and rotifers, use tiny hair-like structures called cilia.
• Cilia: Beat in coordinated waves, allowing these organisms to move through water or along
surfaces efficiently.
 Invertebrates exhibit a remarkable diversity in respiration, circulation, reproduction, and
movement, adapting these processes to suit their environments. Aquatic and terrestrial habitats
have influenced their respiratory and circulatory adaptations, while varied reproductive and
movement strategies help ensure their survival and widespread distribution. These adaptations
highlight the complexity and resilience of invertebrates across ecosystems.

The Unsung Heroes: The Ecological and Economic

Importance of Invertebrates
Invertebrates, the often overlooked creatures of the animal kingdom, play a vital role in
maintaining the health and stability of our planet. From the buzzing bees to the wriggling
earthworms, these small but mighty creatures are essential for both our ecosystems and our
economies.
Ecological Importance:
Invertebrates are the backbone of many ecosystems, contributing to a wide range of critical
processes.
 Pollination Powerhouses: Think of the vibrant colors of a flower field or the juicy fruits
we enjoy. These are all thanks to the tireless work of pollinators, primarily insects like bees
and butterflies. They transfer pollen between plants, enabling fertilization and the
production of seeds and fruits. It’s estimated that around 75% of our food crops depend on
these essential pollinators.

 Nature’s Recyclers: Invertebrates like earthworms and beetles are the ultimate
decomposers. They break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients back to the soil.
This process enriches the soil, making it fertile and supporting plant growth. Without them,
our ecosystems would be choked with decaying matter.

 Food Web Foundation: Invertebrates form the base of many food webs. They are a primary
food source for a variety of vertebrates, including birds, fish, and mammals. Their
abundance and diversity help maintain the balance of energy flow within ecosystems.

 Habitat Architects: Some invertebrates, like corals and mollusks, are responsible for
creating essential habitats. Coral reefs, for example, are built by tiny coral polyps and
support a diverse array of marine life. These habitats provide shelter, breeding grounds, and
food sources for countless species.
Economic Importance:
The economic benefits of invertebrates are often underestimated. They contribute
significantly to various industries and our overall well-being.
 Agricultural Allies: Invertebrates play a crucial role in agriculture. Their pollination
services increase crop yields, while their soil-enriching activities promote sustainable
farming practices. This translates to increased food production and reduced reliance on
chemical fertilizers.

 Seafood Symphony: Many invertebrates, including shrimp, crabs, and mollusks, are a
valuable source of protein for human consumption. They are a significant part of the global
fisheries and aquaculture industries, providing livelihoods for millions of people.

 Pharmaceutical Potential: Invertebrates are a treasure trove of bioactive compounds with

potential medicinal properties. Scientists are exploring these compounds for their use in
developing new drugs to treat various diseases.

 Ecotourism Gems: Marine invertebrates, particularly those found in coral reefs, attract
tourists from all over the world. This generates economic benefits for local communities
through tourism revenue and employment opportunities.