Vertebrates Perhaps the animals with which you are most familiar are vertebrates. What are the major classes of vertebrates? amphibians reptiles fishes birds mammals DISCUSS with students, before providing the “right” answers. See how much they remember from their Exploration activity. They may come up with additional examples that are appropriate. Wikimedia Commons free use

Amphibians Examples: Characteristics: frogs, salamanders Ectotherms (controls body temperature through external means) Lay eggs in water Adult breathes air Must maintain most skin Once again, DISCUSS with students prior to providing the “right” answer. Allow students to share what they know. They may think of additional examples as well. Wikimedia commons free use

Reptiles Examples: Characteristics: alligator, lizard, crocodile, snake, turtle Characteristics: Ectotherms (controls body temperature through external means) Four appendages (or have ancestors with four appendages) Lay eggs on land (except some snakes) Covered in scales Once again, DISCUSS with students prior to providing the “right” answer. Allow students to share what they know. They may think of additional examples as well. Wikimedia Commons free use

Fish Examples: Characteristics: perch, catfish, trout, salmon Aquatic ectotherms Bodies covered with scales Breathe with gills Have fins Lay eggs in water Once again, DISCUSS with students prior to providing the “right” answer. Allow students to share what they know. They may think of additional examples as well. Elma from Reykjavík Wikimedia Commons

Birds Examples: Characteristics: blue jay, cardinal, robin, eagle hawk Endotherms (warm blooded-controls body temperature through internal means) Body covered with feathers Wings Lay eggs Once again, DISCUSS with students prior to providing the “right” answer. Allow students to share what they know. They may think of additional examples as well. Dori Wikimedia Commons

Mammals Examples: Characteristics: cat, dog, human, bat, mouse, rat, zebra Characteristics: Endotherms Body covered with hair Mammary (milk) glands Breathe air Have three middle-ear bones Once again, DISCUSS with students prior to providing the “right” answer. Allow students to share what they know. They may think of additional examples as well. Wikimedia Commons free use