Invertebrate vs. Vertebrate Animals

Question

Is there an advantage of disadvantage for invertebrates or vertebrate animals that you find is not truly an advantage or disadvantage? Think from the way animals have evolved over time.

Answer 1

Hi Kat - great question! In the context of evolution, both vertebrates and invertebrates are products of the evolutionary forces that shape them. The advantages and disadvantages for both groups should be viewed in the context of their environments. For example, an advantage of vertebrates in the water is that a vertebral column helps them thrust through the water at high speeds and for long periods of time. On land, these advantages might differ because having a vertebrate can make it easy for terrestrial organisms to stand upright and push back against gravitational forces.

Does this help answer your question?