What are vertebrates?

Vertebrates are animals with a backbone (spine). They also have a brain and spinal cord. This makes them more complex than invertebrates (animals without a backbone).

• Examples: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals.
• They live in water, on land, or in the air.

Why are vertebrates important?

They show amazing diversity. Studying them helps us understand evolution, adaptation, and ecosystems.

Five Main Groups

1. Fish

Live in water, breathe with gills, have fins and scales. Examples: goldfish, tuna.

2. Amphibians

Live partly in water and on land. Their young (tadpoles) breathe with gills, adults with lungs. Example: frogs, salamanders.

3. Reptiles

Have dry scaly skin and lay eggs with shells. Example: snakes, lizards, turtles.

4. Birds

Have feathers, wings, and lay eggs. Most can fly. Example: eagle, penguin, sparrow.

5. Mammals

Have hair/fur, give birth to live young, and females produce milk. Example: humans, lions, elephants.

Reproduction in Vertebrates

• Egg-laying: Fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds lay eggs.
• Live birth: Mammals give birth to live young and feed them milk.

Adaptations

• Gills → lungs (to breathe on land)
• Fins → legs (to walk)
• Feathers for flying
• Hair/fur to stay warm

Summary

Fun Questions