Vertebrates

Vertebrates Animals with an internal skeleton made of bone are called vertebrates.

Vertebrates Well-developed internal skeleton Highly developed brain Have advanced nervous system Outer covering of protective skin

Vertebrates 2% of the animal species are vertebrates. There are 57,739 species of vertebrates.

Vertebrates Classified into five groups: Fish Amphibians Reptiles Birds Mammals

Fish Fish come in more varieties than any other group of vertebrate animals.

Fish There are 32,000 different species of fish.

Fish There are three major types or classes of fish including jawless, cartilaginous, and bony fish.

Jawless Fish

Cartilaginous Fish

Spiny Fish

Amphibians Amphibians are a class of animals that live the first part of their lives in the water and the last part on the land.

Amphibians When they hatch from their eggs, amphibians have gills so they can breathe in the water and have fins to help them swim. Later, their bodies change, growing legs and lungs enabling them to live on the land.

Amphibians There are 3 basic types of amphibians: Newts and salamanders Frogs and toads Caecilians

Newts and Salamanders

Frogs and Toads

Caecilians

Reptiles Reptiles have been around for 300 million years, even during the dinosaur age. 

Reptiles The most common reptiles include: Alligators Crocodiles Lizards Snakes Tortoises Turtles 

Reptiles  The most noticeable feature of reptiles are the scales that cover their body.

Reptiles The majority of reptiles lay eggs to give birth to their young.

Reptiles Reptiles are often called cold-blooded because they can't regulate their own body temperature.

Birds There are over 8,000 species of birds.

Birds Birds have 3 major differentiating characteristics: Wings for flight Feathers And a beak rather than teeth.

Birds Birds have adapted their vertebrate skeleton for flight. Their bones and skull are very thin, making their bodies extremely light.

Birds To support flight also required other changes to their skeleton. Obvious changes are the addition of wings.

Birds The claws and muscles of a bird's foot are designed to lock and hold onto a perch even while the bird is sleeping.

Mammals Mammals have several unique characteristics that differentiate them from other animals. Most mammals have hair, or fur, covering their body.

Mammals They are also capable of regulating their body temperature. The mammals metabolism controls heat production, and the sweat glands help cool the body.

Mammals One other difference is that mammals give birth to fully formed babies, and the female mammals produce milk to feed their young.