Biology - Vertebrata

Introduction

The organisms of this kingdom have a true vertebral column and the internal skeleton structure.

Classification of Vertebrata

• Vertebrates are further classified as −

  • Pisces

  • Amphibia

  • Reptilia

  • Aves

  • Mammalia

• Let’s discuss each of them in brief −

Pisces

• The organisms of this group are typically different types of fishes.

• Fishes can live only in water.

• The skin fish is covered with scales/plates.

• Fish use oxygen dissolved in water by using gills

• The tail of fish helps in their movements.

• Fishes are cold-blooded organisms and their hearts have only two chambers.

• Fishes lay eggs.

Amphibia

• The organisms of amphibia have mucus glands in the skin, and they have three-chambered heart.

• Amphibian can live in water as well as on land.

• The organisms of amphibian respire through either gills or lungs.

• The organisms of amphibia lay eggs.

Reptilia

• The organisms of this group are cold bolded.

• The organisms of reptilia lay eggs with tough coverings.

Aves

• The organisms of Aves group are warm-blooded.

• The organisms of Aves group lay eggs except a few, such as bat.

• Most of the Aves have feathers.

Mammalia

• The organisms of Mammalia group are warm-blooded and they have four-chambered hearts.

• Mammalia are typically characterized for their mammary glands.

• Mammary glands produce milk to nourish the young one.

• Most of the mammals produce live baby; however, a few of mammals, such as, the platypus and the echidna lay eggs.

• Mammals’ skin has hairs along with sweat and oil glands.