Vertebrates

What are Vertebrates?

Vertebrates are animals that possess a backbone or spinal column, distinguishing them from invertebrates, which lack a vertebral column. Vertebrates include a diverse group of animals such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, and they typically have more complex body structures than invertebrates.

Vertebrate Chordates

Vertebrate chordates are animals that have a backbone or spinal column and belong to a larger group called Chordates. All chordates have a few things in common at some point in their lives: a notochord (a flexible rod that supports the body), a nerve cord, gill slits, and a tail. Vertebrate chordates are the chordates that develop a backbone, and they’re divided into five main groups:

1. Fish: Fish live in water, have gills to breathe, and usually have scales. They’re the most diverse vertebrate group, with examples like salmon, sharks, and rays.
2. Amphibians: Amphibians, like frogs, toads, and salamanders, usually start life in water with gills and then develop lungs to live on land as they grow. They go through a big change called metamorphosis.
3. Reptiles: Reptiles, like snakes, lizards, and turtles, have dry, scaly skin and usually lay eggs on land. They breathe air with lungs and are adapted to live in various environments.
4. Birds: Birds have feathers, lay eggs with hard shells, and most can fly. They have beaks instead of teeth and a high metabolism, which helps them stay active.
5. Mammals: Mammals have hair or fur, breathe air with lungs, and produce milk to feed their young. Humans, cats, whales, and elephants are all examples of mammals.

These five groups of vertebrates are all part of the chordate family and share similar basic structures but have adapted in different ways to thrive in various environments.