Vertebrate

Vertebrates are a large group of chordates (animals with backbones) that includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. This group is characterized by having a vertebral column or spine.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Vertebrates share several key characteristics. They have a vertebral column, a brain enclosed in a skull, and an internal skeleton that allows for movement and flexibility. Vertebrates also have complex organ systems, including a circulatory system with a heart, and often have well-developed senses.

Classification[edit | edit source]

Vertebrates are classified into five major groups:

Fish: This is the largest group of vertebrates, and includes both cartilaginous fish like sharks and rays, and bony fish like trout and salmon.
Amphibians: This group includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. Amphibians are semi-aquatic, spending part of their life in water and part on land.
Reptiles: This group includes snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. Reptiles are cold-blooded and lay hard-shelled eggs.
Birds: Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates with feathers and beaks. Most birds can fly, but some, like penguins and ostriches, cannot.
Mammals: This group includes humans, as well as animals like dogs, cats, elephants, and whales. Mammals are warm-blooded, have hair or fur, and females produce milk to feed their young.

Evolution[edit | edit source]

The first vertebrates appeared during the Cambrian explosion, around 525 million years ago. These early vertebrates were small, soft-bodied creatures with simple backbones. Over time, vertebrates evolved into a wide variety of forms, from the tiny hummingbird to the massive blue whale.

See also[edit | edit source]

Vertebrate Resources
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