Vertebrates Made Easy

Vertebrates - Animals having a distinct backbone are called Vertebrates. They are classified into 5 groups.

1) Picses ( Animals living in water )

A) They are found in aquatic habitat.
B) They are cold blooded animals.
C) They have streamlined body.
D) They breathe through gills.
E) Their body is covered with scales.

Examples are Sea Horse, Carp and Shark.


2) Amphibia ( Animals living on land and in water )

A) They are found in both on land and in water.
B) They are cold blooded animals.
C) They have thin moist and slippery skin.
D) They breathe with lungs when on land and through skin when in water.
E) They reproduce and lay eggs in water.

Examples are Salamander, Toad and Frog.


3) Reptilia ( Crawling Animals )

A) They are cold blooded animals.
B) Their skin is dry covered with scales.
C) Mostly they have 02 pair of legs.
D) They breathe through lungs.
E) They lay eggs with leathery shells.
Examples are Snake, Lizard and Crocodiles.


4) Aves ( Feathered Animals )

A) They are warm blooded animals.
B) Their body is covered with feathers.
C) Their fore limbs are modified into wings and hind limbs are modified for walking, swimming or perching.
D) Their bones have large air cavities.
E) They breathe through lungs.
F) They have horny beaks.
G) They lay eggs with hard shells.
Examples are Crow and Ostrich.


4) Mammalia ( Milk Producing Animals )

A) They are warm blooded animals.
B) Their body is covered with hair.
C) They breathe through lungs.
D) They have external ears, nose and specialized teeth.
E) They give birth to babies and produce milk for their nourishment.
Examples are Cat, Mouse, Lion and Humans.