This document provides a classification of animals, dividing them into vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates include mammals, fish, reptiles, birds and amphibians, which are further defined by their key characteristics such as how they reproduce, regulate body temperature, breathe and move. Invertebrates make up 97% of the animal kingdom and lack backbones, including sponges, corals, jellyfish, worms, starfish, mollusks, arthropods and insects. They are grouped according to their physical traits and structures.

1. Classification of Animals

2. Animals With Backbones MAMMAL FISH REPTILE BIRD AMPHIBIAN

4. Fish

6. Amphibians

8. Reptiles

10. Birds

12. Mammals

14. Invertebrates

16. An Exoskeleton is a hard outer covering that protects an animal’s body and gives it support. There are six groups of invertebrates. They are:

17. Sponges

19. Corals, Hydras, and Jellyfish

21. Worms: Flatworms, Roundworms, and Segmented worms

26. Starfish and Sea Urchins

28. Mollusks

30. Arthropods

33. Summary Invertebrates do not have backbones. They include the smallest animals such as: spiders, mites, insects, and worms. Vertebrates do have backbones. They include animals such as: Horses, birds, cats, dogs, fish, lizards, and snakes.