The statement is false because invertebrates are actually more numerous than vertebrates. Invertebrates make up about 97% of all animal species on Earth, while vertebrates only make up about 3%. This is because invertebrates include a wide range of animals such as insects, worms, mollusks, and crustaceans, which have evolved and diversified into numerous species over millions of years. Vertebrates, on the other hand, include animals with a backbone, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, which are relatively fewer in number compared to the vast array of invertebrates.