They are the most numerous animals on the planet, making up 96% of all animal species. They live in the oceans, deserts, forests, and even in your own backyard. What kind of animals can be so diverse and widespread? Invertebrates - animals without backbones! Sponges, flat worms, corals, insects, lobsters, snails, and many more are all invertebrates. This issue of Land, Sea & Air will explore invertebrates you have seen before and teach you about some you never knew existed!

So many species, so little time! Help students understand the vast invertebrate world with the following activities.

In the Cycle of Life activity, K–3 students will learn how invertebrates change as they grow when they examine the life cycle of a crab.

Students in grades 4–8 will learn about invertebrate physiology and symbiotic relationships as they design their own invertebrate in the following activity.

Through a series of challenges, 9–12 grade students will learn about various aspects of invertebrate life in the Invertebrate Survivor activity.

Some fly, others crawl. Some burrow and others don't move at all. Examine a few of the many species of invertebrates using the animal bytes below.

Do invertebrates make noise? Listen to a cricket using the link below:

Like any other animals, invertebrates face challenges too. Many are losing their homes due to land development and exploration. Others are overharvested for food or for the pet and aquarium trade. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund supports the following projects directed toward saving invertebrate species:

Which species are endangered or threatened? Visit the U.S. Endangered Species list to discover which North American species need our help:

Did you know? An entire ecosystem can be built by tiny marine invertebrates. Coral polyps create enormous and breathtaking coral reef ecosystems - which hundreds of other invertebrates, fishes, mammals, and plants depend on for survival. Take your students on an aquatic "seafari" in our Virtual Aquarium (see link below) to explore a variety of corals.

Looking to explore the world of invertebrates and many others? Group Camps at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are a perfect way to teach students, in a hands-on way, about many animal species. Visit the link below to learn more and book your experience today!