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Invertebrate Zoology is that branch of science dealing with animals that have no backbones--such as the shrimps, crabs, sponges, corals, worms, jellyfishes, snails, and squids. They include those organisms from which higher forms of animal life have evolved. Crustaceans make up the greatest biomass of any marine animal group, and without them life in the sea, as we know it, could not survive. Nor, in all probability, could we, here in the Puget Sound.

Invertebrates are integral in the structure, health and functioning of intertidal habitats of Southern Puget Sound. For example, some intertidal invertebrates hold important positions in detrital food chains. In processing detritus, they also play a role in carbon and nutrient cycling and in the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels. Their faeces can also support coprophagous (faeces-based) food chains that may extend to coastal waters. In addition, burrowing by intertidal invertebrates locally aerates the soil, and creates conduits for water and nutrient exchange. These effects, and grazing on propagules, wood and leaves, play an important role in the succession of mangrove plant species, and in nutrient recycling and habitat productivity.