Vertebrates: Characteristics and Classification PDF

**Subphylum (podkmeň) : Vertebrata** 24 Differences between Invertebrates and Vertebrates **Vertebrate** are also called **Craniata.** They have **backbones**, from which they derive their name. The vertebrates are also characterized by a muscular system consisting primarily of **bilaterally paire...

**Subphylum (podkmeň) : Vertebrata** 24 Differences between Invertebrates and Vertebrates **Vertebrate** are also called **Craniata.** They have **backbones**, from which they derive their name. The vertebrates are also characterized by a muscular system consisting primarily of **bilaterally paired muscles** and a **central [nervous system](https://www.britannica.com/science/nervous-system) partly enclosed within the [backbone](https://www.britannica.com/science/vertebral-column).**  **General features** Although the **vertebral column** is perhaps the most obvious vertebrate feature, it was not present in the first vertebrates, which probably had only a [notochord](https://www.britannica.com/science/notochord). The vertebrate has a **distinct head,** with a [differentiated](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differentiated) **tubular [brain](https://www.britannica.com/science/brain)** and sense organs. The body is divided into **trunk** and **[tail](https://www.britannica.com/science/tail-zoology)** regions. The trunk region is filled with a large, bilateral body cavity **(coelom).** embryo-compare Embryonal development of Vertebrata **Other distinguishing features shared by vertebrates include the following:** - An endoskeleton made of **bone and/or cartilage**. - A **centralized nervous system** with a brain and sensory organs located in a **distinct head region**. - A **cranium/skull** protecting the brain. - A **muscular system attached to the endoskeleton** to enable movement. - A **digestive system** consists of an [**esophagus**](https://www.britannica.com/science/esophagus) extending from the **pharynx** to the **stomach** and a **gut** from the stomach to the [**anus**](https://www.britannica.com/science/anus). - A **closed circulatory system** with a ventral heart having **2-4 chambers**. - Skin that often produces **scales, feathers, fur, or hair**. - An excretory system consisting of **paired kidneys**. Unique, **bilateral kidneys** lie (dorsal to the main body cavity) and serve blood maintenance and **excretory functions**.  Evolution of the excretory system - An **endocrine system of glands** located throughout the body. - **Separate sexes** that reproduce by sexual reproduction. **Habitat:** Approximately **45,000** living [species](https://www.britannica.com/science/species-taxon) [constitute](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitute) the vertebrates. Species of several classes are found from the **high Arctic or Antarctic** to the **tropics** around the Earth; they are missing only from interior Antarctica and Greenland and from the North Polar [ice pack](https://www.britannica.com/science/pack-ice). In size, vertebrates range from **minute fishes** to **elephants and whales** (of up to 100 tons), the largest animals ever to have existed. Vertebrates are adapted to life underground, in water, on land, and in the air. They feed upon plants, [invertebrate](https://www.britannica.com/animal/invertebrate) animals, and one another. **Classification** 2\. Class - Pteraspidomorphi -- sliznatky Difference Between Agnathans and Gnathostomata \| Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms Example of Agnatha -- bezčelustnaté ryby 1. Class [Chondrichthyes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondrichthyes) (cartilaginous fishes) 2. Class [Osteichthyes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteichthyes) (bony fishes) 3. Class [Amphibia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphibia) (amphibians) 4. Class [Reptilia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reptilia) (reptiles) 5. Class [Aves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aves) (birds) 6. Class [Mammalia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammalia) (mammals)  Vertebrates - Study Material for NEET (AIPMT) & Medical Exams \| askIITians -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Vertebrate groups** **Image** **Class** -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- -- **[[Anamniote]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anamniote)\ **[[Jawless]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jawless_vertebrates)** **[[Fish]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish)**  [[Myxini]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myxini)\ \ ([hagfish]) lack\ [[amniotic\ membrane]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amniotic_membrane)\ so need to\ reproduce\ in water** Eudontomyzon danfordi Tiszai ingola.jpg [[Hyperoartia]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperoartia)\ ([lamprey]) **[[Jawed]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jawed_vertebrates)**  [[cartilaginous\ fish]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartilaginous_fish) Carassius wild golden fish 2013 G1.jpg [[ray-finned\ fish]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-finned_fish)  [[lobe-finned\ fish]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobe-finned_fish) **[[Tetrapods]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrapod)** Lithobates pipiens.jpg [[amphibians]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphibian) **[[Amniote]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amniote)\  [[mammals]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammal) \ have\ [[amniotic\ membrane]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amniotic_membrane)\ adapted to\ reproducing\ on land** Florida Box Turtle Digon3.jpg [[reptiles]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reptile)  [[birds]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chordata, characteristic features video: [[https://youtu.be/kgZRZmEc9j4]](https://youtu.be/kgZRZmEc9j4)