What is a vertebrate? - ��˿�� Bitesize

Vertebrates

Vertebrates are animals that have a spine (backbone) inside their body. You have one and so you are a vertebrate. Other organisms, like spiders and snails, that don't have a backbone are called invertebrates.

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The main groups of vertebrates

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Mammals: Lions, humans and dolphins
Mammals breathe through their lungs, are warm-blooded, give birth to live babies and have hair or fur.
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Birds: Penguins and golden eagles
Birds breathe through their lungs, are warm blooded, lay eggs with hard shells and have feathers and wings.
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Reptiles: Lizards, snakes and crocodiles
Reptiles breathe through their lungs, are cold blooded, lay eggs with soft shells and have dry scales.
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Amphibians: Frogs, toads and newts
Amphibians are born with gills then develop lungs, are cold blooded and they lay eggs in water.
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Fish: Sharks and salmon
Fish breathe with gills, lay eggs in water and are cold blooded.

Differences and similarities

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You and I have a backbone so we're vertebrates.

Animals can look and behave very differently from each other.

Some live on land, others can fly and some live in water.
Some eat plants and some hunt other animals for their food. Some are large and others much smaller.

But they all have a spine which makes them vertebrates, just like you!

Activity 1: Tap and find

Activity 2: Quiz

Activity 3: Odd one out

Have a look at these three animals. Which one is the odd one out to you? Write down your answer in a couple of sentences, or explain your answer to a friend.

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