What are Vertebrates?
Vertebrates are chordates without a backbone. Chordates are organisms part of the phylum Chordata – which have: gill slits, notochord, endoskeleton, and post anal tail (Campell et. al. 2011). Vertebrates have several advantages such as segmentation and jointed appendages due to their backbone. Vertebrates typically display bilateral symmetry. Another important characteristic of these chordates is their ability to regulate body temperature. Ectotherms regulate their body temperatures according to external stimulus whereas endotherms control their temperature through their metabolism to manage heat loss (Campbell et. al. 2011).
Classes of Vertebrates
In our investigation, we explored:
Class Reptilia -Reptiles (snake)
Work Cited
Campbell, N. (2011). Campbell biology. (9th ed., pp. 697-715). San Fransisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
Class Reptilia -Reptiles (snake)
- Internal fertilization
- Respiration through developed lungs
- Typically have dry, scaly skin with strong bony skeletons
- 3 chambered heart
- 4 powerful legs
- Sticky tongues
- Partially divided heart with 3 chambers
- Skeleton is not cartilaginous but bony
- Gill cover that covers gills on both sides
- Swim bladder that exchanges gases with blood
- 2 chambered heart
- Covered in feathers
- Lack teeth
- Scaly feet and legs
- Lightweight bones
- Some hair
- Developing fetuses are nourished by the placenta
- Mammary glands produce milk
Work Cited
Campbell, N. (2011). Campbell biology. (9th ed., pp. 697-715). San Fransisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.