Vertebrates (/ ˈvɜːrtəbrɪt, - ˌbreɪt /), [3] also called craniates, are animals with a vertebral column and a cranium. The vertebral column surrounds and protects the spinal cord, while the cranium protects the …

Jan 23, 2026 · Vertebrate, any animal of the subphylum Vertebrata. They have backbones and are also characterized by a muscular system consisting primarily of bilaterally paired masses and a central …

The term ‘Vertebrate’ is derived from the Latin word’ vertebratus,’ which means ‘joint of the spine.’ Thus, vertebrates refer to animals with a characteristic bony or cartilaginous axial endoskeleton known as …

Jun 29, 2022 · There are five main groups of vertebrates: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Vertebrates can be either cold-blooded (ectothermic) or warm-blooded (endothermic). …

: any of a subphylum (Vertebrata) of chordates that comprises animals (such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes) typically having a bony or cartilaginous spinal column which …

Jan 14, 2026 · The single characteristic that defines an organism as a vertebrate is the presence of a vertebral column, commonly known as the backbone or spine. This structure is composed of a series …

Vertebrates are also interesting because they are easy to find. Many other groups of organisms cannot be seen with the naked eye or reside in places inhospitable to humans, like the sea floor. We coexist …

Vertebrates are among the most complex and fascinating organisms on Earth. Characterized by their backbone or vertebral column, they belong to the subphylum Vertebrata within the phylum Chordata. …

Mar 17, 2025 · Vertebrates are classified into five main groups: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, each with unique features and adaptations to their habitats. Vertebrates display diverse …

Vertebrates are among the most recognizable organisms of the animal kingdom (Figure 1). More than 62,000 vertebrate species have been identified. The vertebrate species now living represent only a …