Reptiles, Invertebrates, Arachnids and Insects Science Worksheet for 7-Year-Olds

Instructions

1. Read each question carefully.
2. Circle, match, sort, and write your answers.
3. Remember: reptiles have backbones. Invertebrates do not have backbones.
4. Invertebrates include many animal groups, such as insects and arachnids.
5. Complete the challenge if you have extra time.

Helpful example: A snake is a reptile because it has a backbone and scales.

1. Choose the Animal Group

Circle the correct group for each animal.

1. Snake: reptile / insect / arachnid
2. Butterfly: reptile / insect / arachnid
3. Spider: reptile / insect / arachnid
4. Turtle: reptile / insect / arachnid
5. Ant: reptile / insect / arachnid
6. Scorpion: reptile / insect / arachnid

2. Match the Animal to Its Group

Write the letter of the correct group on each line.

• A. Reptile
• B. Invertebrate
• C. Insect
• D. Arachnid

1. _____ Lizard
2. _____ Earthworm
3. _____ Bee
4. _____ Tick
5. _____ Crocodile
6. _____ Crab

3. Sort the Animals

The example has been completed. Write each animal in the correct column.

Animal choices: beetle, frog, spider, turtle, worm

4. Count the Body Parts

Choose the best answer.

1. Most insects have how many legs?

   • 4
   • 6
   • 8

2. Most arachnids have how many legs?

   • 6
   • 8
   • 10

3. Which animal has a backbone?

   • Snake
   • Ant
   • Spider

4. Which animal is an invertebrate?

   • Turtle
   • Lizard
   • Crab

5. Which body covering is common on reptiles?

   • Feathers
   • Scales
   • Fur

5. True or False

Write True or False on each line.

1. __ A spider is an arachnid.
2. __ An insect has six legs.
3. __ A turtle is an invertebrate.
4. __ A worm has no backbone.
5. __ A reptile has a backbone.
6. __ A butterfly is an insect.

6. Animal Detective

Read each clue. Write the animal group that matches.

1. I have eight legs and spin webs. I am a ____.

2. I have six legs, wings, and antennae. I am an ____.

3. I have scales and a backbone. I am a ____.

4. I have no backbone. I may have a soft body. I am an ____.

7. Compare Two Animals

Choose one reptile and one invertebrate. Complete the chart.

8. Draw and Label

Draw a spider or an insect in the space below. Label these parts:

• legs
• body
• antennae, if your animal has them

My animal is a: __

9. Real-Life Connection

Think about animals you might see outside, in a garden, or at a park.

1. Name one insect you have seen: __

2. Name one arachnid you have seen or learned about: _____

3. Name one reptile you have seen or learned about: __

4. Why is it helpful to know which animals are insects, arachnids, reptiles, or other invertebrates?

Optional Challenge

A spider and an ant are both invertebrates. How are they different?

Hint: Think about their number of legs and body parts.

Answer Key

1. Choose the Animal Group

1. Reptile
2. Insect
3. Arachnid
4. Reptile
5. Insect
6. Arachnid

2. Match the Animal to Its Group

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. A
6. B

3. Sort the Animals

• Beetle: insect
• Frog: invertebrate category does not apply; a frog is a vertebrate amphibian
• Spider: arachnid
• Turtle: reptile
• Worm: invertebrate

Teacher note: The frog is included as a thinking check. It has a backbone, so it is a vertebrate, but it is not a reptile. Students may leave it out of the four columns or write it beside the chart as a vertebrate amphibian.

4. Count the Body Parts

1. 6
2. 8
3. Snake
4. Crab
5. Scales

5. True or False

1. True
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
6. True

6. Animal Detective

1. Arachnid
2. Insect
3. Reptile
4. Invertebrate

7. Compare Two Animals

Answers will vary. A correct response should identify a reptile with a backbone and an invertebrate without a backbone. For example:

• Reptile: turtle; backbone: yes; legs: 4; body covering: shell and scales
• Invertebrate: butterfly; backbone: no; legs: 6; body covering: wings and a hard outer covering

8. Draw and Label

Answers will vary. The drawing should show and label the animal's body and legs. An insect should have six legs. An arachnid should have eight legs.

9. Real-Life Connection

Answers will vary.

Optional Challenge

A spider has eight legs and two main body sections. An ant has six legs, three main body sections, antennae, and is an insect. Both are invertebrates and do not have backbones.