Invertebrates

Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone. They make up about 95% of all animal species on Earth and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including oceans, forests, and deserts. There are many different groups of invertebrates, each with its own unique characteristics and adaptations.

Types of Invertebrates

There are several major groups of invertebrates, including:

Arthropods: This group includes insects, spiders, crustaceans, and other animals with exoskeletons and jointed legs.
Mollusks: Mollusks have soft bodies and may have shells, such as snails, clams, and octopuses.
Worms: This group includes segmented worms, such as earthworms and leeches, as well as flatworms and roundworms.
Cnidarians: Cnidarians are characterized by their stinging cells and include jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones.
Echinoderms: Echinoderms have spiny skins and include sea stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers.
And more!

Characteristics of Invertebrates

While invertebrates vary greatly in their physical characteristics and behaviors, they share some common traits, such as:

Lack of a backbone
Diverse body plans, including soft bodies, shells, and exoskeletons
Many have complex organ systems, including nervous systems, digestive systems, and reproductive systems
They play important ecological roles as pollinators, decomposers, and prey for other animals

Study Guide

To study invertebrates, consider the following topics:

Identify and describe the major groups of invertebrates.
Compare and contrast the characteristics of different invertebrate groups.
Investigate the ecological roles of invertebrates in various habitats.
Examine the adaptations of invertebrates for survival and reproduction.
Explore the economic and cultural importance of invertebrates to humans.

Remember to use diagrams, videos, and hands-on activities to reinforce your understanding of invertebrates!

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Our impact on earth

Vocabulary/Answer key

Our impact on earth

The resources above cover the following skills:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Analyze and interpret data (e.g., tables, graphs, maps of global and regional temperatures; atmospheric levels of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane; rates of human activities) to describe how various human activities (e.g., use of fossil fuels, creation of urban heat islands, agricultural practices) and natural processes (e.g., solar radiation, greenhouse effect, volcanic activity) may cause changes in local and global temperatures over time.

Earth and Human Activity

Analyze evidence (e.g., databases on human populations, rates of consumption of food and other natural resources) to explain how changes in human population, per capita consumption of natural resources, and other human activities (e.g., land use, resource development, water and air pollution, urbanization) affect Earth’s systems.

Implement scientific principles to design processes for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment (e.g., water usage, including withdrawal of water from streams and aquifers or construction of dams and levees; land usage, including urban development, agriculture, or removal of wetlands; pollution of air, water, and land).