Invertebrate: meaning, definitions and examples

General context, newspapers, and magazines. Commonly used term that can appear in both formal and semi-formal writing.

• The museum had a fascinating exhibit on invertebrates, including spiders and insects

Informal conversations, educational settings, especially with younger audiences or non-experts. This phrase is more descriptive and easier to understand for those not familiar with scientific terminology.

• A worm is an animal without a backbone

Similar to 'invertebrate', but slightly less common. Used in scientific discussions or academic papers. It may be used interchangeably with 'invertebrate', though less frequently in everyday use.

• Non-vertebrate species, such as crustaceans and cephalopods, play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem

Use 'invertebrate' in scientific contexts or when discussing biology. It is formal and appropriate for textbooks, academic papers, or educational settings.

• Jellyfish and worms are examples of invertebrates
• The study focused on the invertebrate species in the ocean

Use 'non-vertebrate' in scientific contexts, similar to 'invertebrate'. It is less common but still appropriate for formal or academic settings.

• The research compared vertebrates and non-vertebrates
• Many non-vertebrates have simple body structures

Use 'without a backbone' in informal or everyday language to make the concept more understandable to a general audience, especially children.

• A jellyfish is an animal without a backbone
• Animals without a backbone are called invertebrates