Classification of Vertebrate Animals

adapted from http://gideon.k12.mo.us/teachers/jswi

lley/htdocs/Classification%20of%20Animals.ppt

Animals With Backbones

MAMMAL

FISH

REPTILEBIRD

AMPHIBIAN

• Animals with backbones are called vertebrates.

Animals With Backbones

Fish

Fish Characteristics• Largest group of vertebrates.• Many are covered with scales that protect them.• They have fins that help them to steer and

balance in the water.• Their body temperatures vary in the water.

– Exothermic

• They breathe through gills.• Have swim bladders for buoyancy.

Amphibians

Amphibian Characteristics• Lay their soft eggs in water.• As adult, can live on land.• Their body temperature varies with their surroundings.

– Exothermic

• Young amphibians breathe through gills.• Adult amphibians breathe air from lungs.• Some have smooth moist skin.• Have Legs.• Frogs, Salamanders, Newts

Reptiles

Reptile Characteristics

• Snakes, Lizard, Crocodile• Lay their amniotic eggs on land.

– Amniotic (shell w/ fluid filled sac inside)

• Dry scaly skin.• Their body temperature varies with their

environment.– Exothermic

Birds

Bird Characteristics

• Birds lay hard shelled eggs that hatch in their nest.• Have wings and they are covered with feathers• The bird’s skeleton is very light in weight. This

helps them to fly.• Endothermic (can regulate own body temperature)• Ostrich, Eagle, Hummingbird, Penguin

Mammals

Mammal Characteristics

• Ape, lions, kangaroos, bats,

• Young grows inside of mother, most give live birth

• Have hair.

• Feed milk to their young.

• Endothermic

Assignment: Create a Virtual Zoo