Vertebrates

Vertebrates are a huge group of animals with one key feature in common: a backbone! This backbone, also called a spinal column or vertebral column, is like a bony support system running along their back.

Here are some examples of vertebrates:

• Fish: From the tiniest minnow to the giant whale shark, all fish are vertebrates.
• Amphibians: Frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts – they all have backbones too!
• Reptiles: Snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles – these scaly creatures are also part of the vertebrate club.
• Birds: With their feathery wings and beaks, birds are definitely vertebrates as well.
• Mammals: We humans, along with cats, dogs, elephants, and whales, all have backbones!

Etymology (Word Origins)

• Vertebrate comes from the Latin word "vertebra," which means "joint" or "turning point."
• This makes sense because a backbone is made up of many small bones (vertebrae) that connect and allow for some movement.

Here are some additional points to remember:

• Not all animals have backbones. Animals without backbones are called invertebrates, which include insects, spiders, jellyfish, and worms.
• The backbone provides support and structure for a vertebrate's body and protects its spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that carries messages from the brain.
• Having a backbone allows vertebrates to come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny fish to the enormous blue whale!