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Vertebrates

  • Vertebrates are animals with a backbone and spinal cord. They are members of Phylum Chordata.
  • Chordates possess a notochord, a dorsal, hollow nerve chord, pharyngeal clefts and arches as well as a post-anal tail at some point in their development.
  • Several groups of chordates are invertebrates. These include lancelets, tunicates (sea squirts) and hagfishes.
  • Major classes of vertebrates are:
  • Chondrichthyes - Chondricthyans have skeletons made primarily of cartilage and are ectothermic. Members of this class include sharks and rays.
  • Osteichythes (Bony Fishes) –The bony fishes have skeletons composed of mineralized bone and include both the ray-finned fishes and lobe-finned fishes.
  • Amphibians - Amphibians undergo metamorphosis and live part of their life cycle on land and part in water. They have moist skin that plays a role in gas exchange.
  • Reptiles -Reptiles are amniotes with keratinized scales that prevent them from drying out and eggs that are protected by shells.
  • Aves –In addition to their wings and feathers, birds have light bones as well as other structural and physiological adaptations to allow flight. Birds are sometimes included in the same class as reptiles.
  • Mammals - Mammals are endothermic, have hair and produce milk to nourish their young. They have a four-chambered heart and teeth with specialized functions. Monotremes, marsupials and eutherians are all groups of mammals.

Vertebrates

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AP Biology Intro