Invertebrate Behavior for the Exotic Pet Practitioner

Invertebrate animals comprise more than 95% of the animal kingdom ’s species and approximately 40 separate phyla. Yet, invertebrates are an artificial taxon, in which all members simply possess a single negative trait: they lack a vertebral column (backbone). In fact, some invertebrates are more closely related to vertebrates than to their “fellow” invertebr ates. For the purpose of this veterinary article, we have elected to review a handful of important groups: Coelenterates, Gastropods, Cephalopods, Chelicerates, Crustaceans, Insects, and Echinoderms. We have primarily included behaviors that may have an impact on clinical case outcome, or be of inte rest to the veterinary clinician.

Source: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice - November 12, 2020 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Gregory A. Lewbart, Laurie Bergmann Source Type: research