Sea turtles are classified as vertebrates. This means they have a backbone or spine, which is a characteristic feature of all vertebrate animals. The backbone is part of an internal skeleton that provides structure and support to their bodies.
Sea turtles belong to the class Reptilia, which also includes other organisms like snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. Being reptiles, sea turtles share certain characteristics with these animals, including scaly skin and the ability to lay eggs on land.
In contrast, invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone; examples include jellyfish, octopuses, and crabs. The presence of a backbone in sea turtles is a key factor that defines them as vertebrates. Overall, their biological structure and classification firmly place sea turtles in the vertebrate category.