Marine Invertebrates Science Game for Kids – Mollusks, Arthropods and Others

Marine invertebrates are a diverse group, ranging from tiny sponges to giant squid. In the past, the Arctic Ocean was an ocean that was still full of mollusks. They evolved from the same era as the Arctic Ocean, where sea ice cover first formed and was later deposited. The species that survive in these waters today include the sand dollar and the brittle star. Ocean invertebrates are important for understanding how our planet’s ecosystems are changing and the way they can help protect them. Most species have two life stages, with the second stage characterized by bearing a shell. While this process is often quite difficult to do, it is essential for conservation efforts. The diversity of invertebrates is remarkable, with many of them providing habitat for other marine species. Some invertebrates are important prey for fish and are vital for our food chains. Some of the most commonly harvested ocean invertebrates are mollusks, crabs, corals, and crustacean arthropods. The phylum Mollusca includes an immense range of organisms. From the giant squids in the deep sea to the common garden snail, molluscs are important members of many ecological communities. These creatures range in size from millimeters to meters. There are over 8,600 species of mollusks listed by the International Commission on Invertebrates. Of these, sixteen1 are classified as Critically Endangered, 141 are Endangered, and 86 are Vulnerable or Near Threatened. The majority of molluscs live in the deep ocean, but their presence in fresh water makes them relatively safe from the destruction of habitat. Read Less