Vertebrate

Characteristics

Mammals (Mammalia)

Mammals nourish their offspring with milk

They have hair or fur that is made up of keratin

They are endothermic, meaning mammals can maintain a consistent body temperature

Some are Eutherians. They give birth to live young. While the offspring is in the uterus, it receives nutrients from the mother.

Others are Monotremes, and they lay eggs. The nutrients for the offspring derives from the shelled egg.

Lastly, is the Marsupials. Like Kangaroos, they young is born early and kept in a pouch and continue developing and nursing.

Birds (Aves)

Similar to mammals, birds are also endothermic. Also birds are warm-blooded.

Birds contain wings made up of feathers. They are able to grow new feathers each year.

Because for their light weight and wings, birds are able to fly in the sky.

Depending on their species, birds can either be carnivores or herbivores.

Amphibians (Amphibia) For amphibians, life begins underwater

breathing through gills.

As the mature into adults, these animals move from the water to land and breathe through their newly-developed lungs and-or skin.

Amphibians will live in both water and on land.

These carnivores feast on various items depending on their habitat and location.

At some point in their lives, most amphibians will undergo metamorphosis.

Reptiles (Reptilia)

Reptiles have scaly skin and three

chambered hearts. However, the larger

reptiles such as reptiles and crocodiles

who possess four chambered hearts.

They are cold blooded and have well-

developed lungs.

Instead of giving birth, reptiles lay eggs.

Fish Fish are ectothermic, meaning they are able

to control the temperature of their fragile bodies.

They have two chambered hearts and gills for respiration, however they do not have eyelids or external ears.

Because of their lack of body parts, fish contain an organ called lateral line. This sensory organ allows the fish to feel vibrations when a movement has occurred near them. Fish are able to hide from predators and use this organ as a security measure.