University of California
Ucmp: Web Lift to Taxa
Alphabetical listing from the University of California of info on each of the animal phyla. Includes scientific and common names and photos. Characteristics of each group are explained in detail.
PBS
Pbs: The Shape of Life: Activities and Resources: Phylum Comparison [Pdf]
Students explore eight major phyla of the animal kingdom by comparing body plans, animal behavior, evolution, reproduction, and more. Includes a one-page reference to characteristics by phylum.
Regents of the University of Michigan
Animal Diversity Web: Phylum Mollusca (Mollusks)
A great, detailed description of mollusks. Discusses parts of their external and internal anatomy and their functions, and lists several characteristics of mollusks. Tabbed pages include pictures, specimens and classification.
Regents of the University of Michigan
Animal Diversity Web: Phylum Chordata (Chordates)
This site contains a listing of additional characteristics that many Chordates have in common beyond the typical four: notochord, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail.
Regents of the University of Michigan
Animal Diversity Web: Cnidaria
This site by Animal Diversity Web discusses the different body types and the similar characteristics of the animals in the phylum Cnidaria.
University of California
Ucmp: Introduction to Chordata
This site from UC Berkeley is an excellent site about the animal phylum chordata. Click on various sections to learn more, covering topics such as the fossil record, life history & ecology, systematics, and morphology. This site is a...
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Biology: Animals
Through video clips. informational text, interactive activities, and assessment opportunities, students study and learn about the classification of animals.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Life Science: Invertebrates
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Animals are also often identified as being either invertebrates or vertebrates. These are terms based on the skeletons of the animals. Vertebrates have a backbone...
Biology 4 kids
Biology4 Kids: Anemone and Coral the Cnidarians
An overview of the Phylum Cnidaria highlights the general characteristics of these strange creatures from the Animal Kingdom.