McGraw Hill
Arthropods
Are spiders related to crabs? Study the order of arthropods with a reading selection about animal diversity. It provides details about each class within the order, as well as vivid pictures and explanatory charts.
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.
Untamed Science
Untamed Science: Phylum Chordata
Learn about the characteristics, classification, and phylogeny that make the Phylum Chordata, a distinct animal classification group. See examples and photos of different species of chordates.
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...
BiologyWise
Biology Wise: Characteristics of Arthropods
Describes general characteristics of Arthropoda and features of the different animal classes within this phylum.
BiologyWise
Biology Wise: Classification and Characteristics of Rotifers
Outlines the classification hierarchy of the phylum Rotifera and describes their characteristics and anatomy. Rotifera have survived for up to 80 million years and continue to play an important role in ecological systems.
Regents of the University of Michigan
Animal Diversity Web: Phylum Arthropoda
This general overview of the arthropod phylum, which includes insects and arachnids, looks at such topics as body symmetry, appendages, movement, respiratory and nervous systems, and reproduction.
Regents of the University of Michigan
Animal Diversity Web: Class Merostomata (Horseshoe Crab)
Find general information about the Merostomata class, which includes horseshoe crabs and the extinct eurypterids. Topics include diet, body charactersitics, and respiratory system.
Palomar Community College District
Palomar College: Kingdom to Subphylum
The highest category of taxonomic classification is the kingdom. This website from Palomar College presents the five kingdoms in an easy-to-read chart and discusses the Animalia and Plantae kingdoms in depth. After reading through the...
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.