Invertebrates are animals that neither possess nor develop a vertebral column, derived from the notochord. This includes all animals apart from the chordate subphylum Vertebrata. Familiar examples of invertebrates include arthropods, mollusks, annelid, and cnidarians.

What is the word invertebrate means?

: an animal having no backbone or internal skeleton. invertebrate. adjective.

What does invertebrate mean example?

An animal, such as an insect or mollusk, that lacks a backbone or spinal column. ... Most animals are invertebrates. Corals, insects, worms, jellyfish, starfish, and snails are invertebrates.