invertebrate etymology

Etymology

The word "invertebrate" is derived from the Latin word "invertebratus," meaning "without backbones." It was first used in the 18th century by the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.

Meaning

An invertebrate is an animal that lacks a backbone, or vertebral column. Invertebrates are classified into numerous phyla, including arthropods, mollusks, annelids, and cnidarians.

Origin

The origin of invertebrates dates back to the Precambrian period, over 540 million years ago. The first invertebrates were likely simple, worm-like creatures that lived in the oceans. Over time, invertebrates evolved into a wide range of forms and adaptations, eventually giving rise to such diverse groups as insects, lobsters, and jellyfish.

Significance

Invertebrates play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They are the primary consumers of plants and decompose organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the soil. Invertebrates also provide food for a wide range of animals, including fish, birds, and mammals.

invertebrate relate terms

  • vertebra

    Etymology From Latin vertebra meaning something that turns from vertere meanin

  • enemy

    Etymology The word enemy comes from the Old French word ennemi which in turn is der

  • Mollusca

    Etymology The term Mollusca is derived from the Latin word mollis which means soft

  • rebut

    Etymology The word rebut comes from the Old French word rebouter which means to dri

  • brute

    Etymology The word brute is derived from the Old French word brute which in turn com

  • sponge

    Etymology The word sponge derives from the Latin word spongia which is believed to

  • creature

    Etymology The word creature is derived from the Old French word creature which in tu

  • animal

    Etymology The word animal comes from the Latin word animalis meaning having life o

  • echinoderm

    Etymology The word echinoderm is derived from the Greek words echinos ἐχῖνο

  • foot

    Etymology The word foot derives from the Old English word fot which is of Germanic o

  • fauna

    Etymology The word fauna is derived from the Latin word faunus which was the name of

  • tabes

    Etymology The word tabes is derived from the Latin word tabēre which means to pin