Subphylum Vertebratae

Venn diagrams are graphic organizers that show the similarities and differences between two or more items. Before you learn about vertebrates, construct a Venn diagram to organize your knowledge about the differences and similarities between invertebrates and vertebrates.

Your diagram should include two circles that overlap in the middle. One circle should be labeled vertebrates and the other should be labeled invertebrates. The overlapping section should be labeled similarities. Please look at the image on this page for an example. In each individual circle, list at least three important characteristics that pertain to either vertebrates or invertebrates. Then, in the area in which the circles overlap, list two characteristics that both invertebrates and vertebrates share. As you complete this topic, keep your Venn diagram handy so you can add additional characteristics based on the knowledge you gain about vertebrates.