VERTEBRATES

What is a “vertebrate?”

• Animal that has a backbone, or a vertebral column

• All are part of the Chordate Phylum– Nerve Cord (hollow tube)

– Notocord (flexible rod)

– Gill Slits (used for breathing)

– Post-anal Tail

Other characteristics

• Cold-blooded (ectotherms) rely on environment for heat

• Warm-blooded (endotherms) maintain own body temperature

Characteristics cont’d

• Open Circulatory System blood not always in vessels

• Closed Circulatory System blood always contained in vessels

All Vertebrates

FISH: Characteristics

• Water-dwelling vertebrates

• Scales, fins, gills

FISH: Examples

• Jawless-– No jaws, scales, paired fins;

cartilage only– Ex. Lamprey

• Cartilagenous-– Cartilage only, toothlike scales– Ex. Sharks, Rays

• Bony-– Bones, scales, swim bladders– Ex. Flounder, Bass, Perch

FISH: Systems

• Digestive/Excretory:– Developed system: stomach,

intestines, etc.

• Nervous:– Keen senses: sight, smell, and taste

• Circulatory:– Closed Circ. Sys.

• Reproductive:– External Fertilization– Internal Fertilization

• Respiratory:– Gills take oxygen from water

Amphibians: Characteristics

• Breathe with gills when immature

• Breathe with lungs and skin when mature

• Skin has many glands• Lack scales and claws• Undergo metamorphosis

– Dramatic changes in body form

Amphibians: Examples

• Frogs• Toads• Newts, Salamanders

Amphibians: Systems

• Digestive/Excretory:– Developed: stomach, intestines, etc.

• Nervous:– Developed: large eyesgreat sight

• Circulatory:– Closed Circ. System

• Reproductive:– External Fertilization– Internal Fertilization (lay fert. eggs)

• Respiratory:-Gills when immature, lungs and skin when

mature (skin must stay moist to function)

Reptiles: Characteristics

• Vertebrates with lungs• Scaly skin• Amniotic eggs

(leathery)• Cold-blooded

Reptiles: Examples

• Lizards: alligators, iguanas, dinosaurs

• Turtles• Snakes

Reptiles: Systems

• Digestive/Excretory:– Interesting adaptations for eating; developed

system

• Nervous:– Developed brains; good senses

• Circulatory:– Closed Circulatory System

• Reproductive:– Internal Fertilization: most lay leathery eggs– Some give live birth from eggs “hatched” inside

• Respiratory:– Use Lungs

Birds: Examples

• Hawks, eagles• Robins, wrens• Hummingbirds• Penguins, ostriches

Birds: Characteristics

• Warm-blooded• Amniotic Eggs (shells)• Feathers (made of

same substance as reptile scales)

Birds: Systems

• Digestive/Excretory:– Big eaters, beak shaped for food source,

developed system

• Nervous:– Keen senses: Eyesight, hearing

• Circulatory:– Closed Circ. Sys.

• Reproductive:– Internal fertilization; lay eggs with hard shells

• Respiratory:– Air sacs in addition to lungs allow for

continuous air flow

Mammals: Characteristics

• Warm-blooded vertebrates• Hair or fur• Feed young with milk

from mammary glands

• Many groups of mammals-– Insect-eating, Water-

dwelling, Hoofed, Gnawing, etc.

Mammals: Examples

• Egg-laying mammals (monotremes):– Lay eggs– Ex. Duck-billed platypus

• Pouched mammals (marsupials):– Give birth to under-developed young,

develop in the pouch of the mother– Ex. Kangaroo, koalas, possum

• Placental mammals:– Give birth to young that have developed in

the mother’s body– Ex. Humans, Dogs, Mice

Mammals- Systems• Digestive/Excretory:

– Digestive tract with accessory organs (liver, pancreas, etc.)

– Kidneys for excretion

• Nervous:– Developed brain and senses

• Circulatory:– Closed Circ. System

• Reproductive:– Internal fertilization

• Eggs, Pouches, Placentas

• Respiratory:– Lungs