A vertebrate is an animal that belongs to the subphylum Vertebrata within the phylum Chordata. Vertebrates are characterized by the presence of a segmented vertebral column (or backbone) that surrounds and protects the spinal cord, which is a central part of the nervous system.
This vertebral column is typically made of bone or cartilage and provides structural support to the body.
What are vertebrates?
A vertebrate is an animal belonging to the subphylum Vertebrata within the phylum Chordata, characterized by the presence of a segmented, bony, or cartilaginous vertebral column (or backbone) that encases and protects the spinal cord. This distinctive feature sets vertebrates apart from other animals and serves as a fundamental defining characteristic of this group.
General Features
Vertebrates are a diverse group of animals that belong to the subphylum Vertebrata within the phylum Chordata. They are characterized by several general features that set them apart from other animals. Here are some of the key general features of vertebrates:
Vertebral Column
Vertebrates are named after the defining feature of their subphylum: the vertebral column, which is a bony or cartilaginous structure that surrounds and protects the spinal cord. This structure provides support and allows for greater mobility.
Notochord
In the early development of vertebrate embryos, they have a notochord, which is a flexible, rod-like structure that runs along the length of the body. In many vertebrates, such as humans, the notochord is replaced by the vertebral column as the animal matures.
Bilateral Symmetry
Vertebrates typically exhibit bilateral symmetry, meaning their bodies can be divided into two halves along a central axis.
Endoskeleton
Vertebrates have an internal skeleton made of bone or cartilage. This endoskeleton provides structural support and protection for internal organs.
Closed Circulatory System
Vertebrates have a closed circulatory system, meaning that blood is confined to blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) and is pumped by a heart. This allows for efficient circulation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Advanced Nervous System
Vertebrates have a well-developed nervous system, including a brain enclosed in a protective skull. They typically have complex sensory organs, such as eyes, ears, and a keen sense of touch.
Pharyngeal Gills
Many vertebrate embryos have pharyngeal gill slits, which are openings in the pharyngeal (throat) region. In some species, these slits develop into gills used for breathing in aquatic environments.
Bilateral Symmetry
Most vertebrates exhibit bilateral symmetry, meaning their bodies can be divided into two mirror-image halves along a central axis.
Advanced Respiratory Systems
Vertebrates have evolved a variety of respiratory systems adapted to their specific environments. While some have gills for underwater respiration, others have lungs for breathing air. Some species can even use both methods.
Sexual Reproduction
Vertebrates typically reproduce sexually, with distinct male and female individuals.
Vertebrates Classification
Vertebrates are a diverse group of animals, and they are classified into several classes and subclasses based on their characteristics and evolutionary relationships. Here is a general overview of the classification of vertebrates:
Class Agnatha (Jawless Fishes)
Subclass Cyclostomata: Includes lampreys and hagfishes, which lack true jaws and have a round, sucker-like mouth.
Class Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fishes)
Subclass Elasmobranchii
Includes sharks, rays, and skates.
Subclass Holocephali
Includes chimeras or ghost sharks.
Class Osteichthyes (Bony Fishes)
Subclass Actinopterygii
Includes ray-finned fishes, which make up the vast majority of fish species.
Subclass Sarcopterygii
Includes lobe-finned fishes, which are ancestors of tetrapods (four-limbed vertebrates) and include coelacanths and lungfishes.
Class Amphibia (Amphibians)
Subclass Lissamphibia
Includes frogs and toads (Anura), salamanders and newts (Caudata), and caecilians (Gymnophiona).
Class Reptilia (Reptiles)
Subclass Anapsida
Includes extinct reptiles like turtles and some early reptiles.
Subclass Diapsida
Includes modern reptiles like lizards, snakes, crocodilians, and birds.
Subclass Synapsida
Includes extinct mammal-like reptiles and is considered ancestral to mammals.
Class Aves (Birds)
Birds are a class of warm-blooded, feathered vertebrates characterized by adaptations for flight.
Class Mammalia (Mammals)
Mammals are a class of warm-blooded vertebrates that have hair or fur, mammary glands for milk production, and a neocortex region in the brain.
Mammals are further divided into several subclasses, including Prototheria (monotremes), Metatheria (marsupials), and Eutheria (placental mammals).
Types of vertebrates
- Human
- Chimpanzee
- Tiger
- Elephant
- Giraffe
- Lion
- Zebra
- Cheetah
- Kangaroo
- Koala
- Platypus
- Whale
- Dolphin
- Penguin
- Ostrich
- Bald Eagle
- Sparrow
- Blue Jay
- Albatross
- Pigeon
- Seagull
- Osprey
- Salmon
- Trout
- Swordfish
- Clownfish
- Sea Turtle
- Iguana
- Gecko
- Python
- Komodo Dragon
- Crocodile
- Alligator
- Bullfrog
- Tree Frog
- Salamander
- Newt
- Toad
- Caecilian
- Great White Shark
- Hammerhead Shark
- Manta Ray
- Stingray
- Nurse Shark
- Humpback Whale
- Blue Whale
- Gray Whale
- Sperm Whale
- Beluga Whale
- Orca (Killer Whale)
- Bottlenose Dolphin
- Snow Leopard
- Jaguar
- Lynx
- Bobcat
- Red Fox
- Arctic Fox
- Gray Wolf
- Coyote
- African Elephant
- Asian Elephant
- Hippopotamus
- Rhinoceros
- Cape Buffalo
- Bison
- Moose
- Caribou (Reindeer)
- Musk Ox
- Impala
- Wildebeest
- African Lion
- Bengal Tiger
- Snow Tiger
- Black Bear
- Polar Bear
- Grizzly Bear
- Panda Bear
- Koala Bear
- Red Kangaroo
- Wallaby
- Tasmanian Devil
- Platypus
- Red Panda
- Cheetah
- Leopard
- African Hunting Dog
- African Spurred Tortoise
- Galápagos Tortoise
- Box Turtle
- Desert Tortoise
- Red-Eared Slider Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Komodo Dragon
- Gila Monster
- King Cobra
- Black Mamba
- Green Anaconda
- Boa Constrictor
- American Alligator
- Chinese Alligator
What is invertebrates?
An invertebrate is an animal that lacks a vertebral column or backbone. In other words, invertebrates are characterized by the absence of a spinal column made of bone or cartilage, which distinguishes them from vertebrates, such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Invertebrates make up the vast majority of the animal kingdom and are incredibly diverse in terms of size, shape, and habitat. They can be found in various environments, including terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial. Some well-known examples of invertebrates include insects, spiders, snails, clams, jellyfish, and worms.
Difference between vertebrates and invertebrates?
Vertebral Column
Invertebrates
Lack a vertebral column (backbone). Their bodies are typically supported by exoskeletons, hydrostatic skeletons, or other means, but they do not have an internal bony or cartilaginous spine.
Vertebrates
Possess a well-developed vertebral column (backbone) made of bone or cartilage, which surrounds and protects the spinal cord.
Nervous System
Invertebrates
Often have simpler nervous systems compared to vertebrates, with fewer specialized structures. Many have ganglia (clusters of nerve cells) rather than a centralized brain.
Vertebrates
Typically have more complex nervous systems, including a centralized brain enclosed within a protective skull. They also have well-defined sensory organs.
Symmetry
Invertebrates
Exhibit various types of body symmetry, including radial symmetry (e.g., jellyfish) and bilateral symmetry (e.g., insects). Some are asymmetrical (e.g., sponges).
Vertebrates
Primarily exhibit bilateral symmetry, where their bodies can be divided into two mirror-image halves along a central axis.
Circulatory System
Invertebrates
May have an open circulatory system (where blood is not entirely contained within vessels) or a closed circulatory system (blood contained within vessels), depending on the species.
Vertebrates
Have a closed circulatory system, where blood is confined to blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries), and it is pumped by a heart.
Respiratory Systems
Invertebrates
Employ various respiratory structures, including gills (aquatic species), tracheal tubes (insects), book lungs (arachnids), and diffusion through the body surface (some worms).
Vertebrates
Have specialized respiratory organs, such as lungs for breathing air (terrestrial species) or gills for extracting oxygen from water (aquatic species).
Skeletal Support
Invertebrates
Rely on a variety of skeletal systems, including exoskeletons (e.g., insects), hydrostatic skeletons (e.g., earthworms), and other structural adaptations.
Vertebrates
Have an internal endoskeleton made of bone or cartilage, providing support, protection, and the ability to grow.
Reproduction
Invertebrates
Display diverse reproductive strategies, including sexual and asexual reproduction. Some invertebrates undergo complex life cycles with metamorphosis.
Vertebrates
Primarily reproduce sexually, with distinct male and female individuals. Most vertebrates have direct development, where offspring resemble adults.
Size and Diversity
Invertebrates
Make up the majority of animal species, exhibiting an immense diversity of forms, sizes, and ecological roles.
Vertebrates
Represent a smaller portion of animal diversity in terms of species but include many of the larger and more complex animals, such as fish, mammals, and birds.
Vertebrates FAQS
What are vertebrate animals?
Vertebrate animals are members of the subphylum Vertebrata within the phylum Chordata. They are characterized by the presence of a segmented vertebral column (or backbone) that surrounds and protects the spinal cord.
How are vertebrate animals classified?
Vertebrate animals are classified into several classes, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Each class has distinct characteristics and features.
What is the main function of the vertebral column in vertebrate animals?
The main function of the vertebral column is to provide structural support and protection to the spinal cord. It also plays a crucial role in allowing for greater mobility and flexibility.
Do all vertebrate animals have bones in their vertebral columns?
No, not all vertebrate animals have bones in their vertebral columns. While most vertebrates have a bony vertebral column (made of bone), some, like sharks and rays, have a cartilaginous vertebral column (made of cartilage).
What are some examples of cold-blooded vertebrate animals?
Cold-blooded vertebrate animals, also known as ectothermic animals, include most reptiles (e.g., lizards, snakes, turtles) and amphibians (e.g., frogs, salamanders).
What are warm-blooded vertebrate animals?
Warm-blooded vertebrate animals, also known as endothermic animals, include birds and mammals. They can regulate their body temperature internally, maintaining a relatively constant temperature regardless of the external environment.