Explore Vertebrates: Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Mammals, Birds

1. Vertebrates • Animals that are vertebrates are simply animals with a backbone. • Vertebrates have an endoskeleton • It offers support and protects the soft parts of the animal.

2. Vertebrates • Vertebrates can either be ectotherms or endotherms. • Ectotherms (cold-blooded) • Body temperature changes to match their surroundings. • Endotherms (warm-blooded) • Regulate their body temperature so that it remains constant

3. Vertebrates • Vertebrate animals fall into the chordate phylum. • The chordate phylum is divided into classes. • fish • amphibians • reptiles • birds • mammals

4. Vertebrates Click on a box to learn more about that class of vertebrates! When you are done, click the link at the bottom left of the screen to learn about invertebrates! This chart shows the vertebrates organized into classes. Vertebrates Fish Amphibians Reptiles Mammals Birds Click here to go to Invertebrates

5. Fish • Fish are cold-blooded animals. • This means that their blood temperature changes with the temperature of the surrounding water. • They are covered in modified skin called scales and use gills to breathe in oxygen underwater.

6. Fish • All fish have gills. These gills absorb oxygen from the water and pass it along to the bloodstream. • A fishes scales are called armor because they protect it. A slimy substance moistens the scales. This protects the fish from infection and helps the fish slip through the water faster.

7. Fish • Fish stay afloat because they have swim bladders. By changing the amount of air in its bladder, a fish never rises or sinks, but stays balanced.

8. Fish • Fins move the fish forward, steer it, and help the fish to keep its balance. • The pectoral and pelvic fins are used for balance, steering, and braking. • The dorsal fin keeps the fish from rolling over and works along with the anal fin. • The tail (caudal fin) provides power, thrushing the fish forward.

9. Fish Fish are actually divided into 3 different classes. Click the boxes to learn about these 3 types. You must click the boxes in order from top to bottom. Bony Fish Cartilaginous Fish Jawless Fish

10. Bony Fish • Bony fish make up about 95% of all fish. • Skeletons are made up of bone. • Their scaly skin is covered with a slimy mucous. • Their mouth is generally at the front of the body. • They have a tail fin. .

11. Cartilaginous Fish • Cartilaginous fish include the sharks, skates and rays. • Although these look different, they have many features in common. • None of them have any true bone - their skeleton is made of cartilage. • They have strong jaws and often have many rows of teeth. Great White Shark Ray Chilean Skate

12. Cartilaginous Fish Continued… • Their mouth is on the underside of their body. • Their eyes are on the top of their body. • They cannot see food as it enters their mouth. • Some sharks solve this problem by touching their food briefly with their nose first. • Some also use a powerful electrosensory system.

13. Jawless Fish • This is a primitive eel-like fish which doesn't have a true jaw, but a sucker-like mouth (like suction cups!) and rasping teeth. • There are two main types: • Lampreys • Lampreys are found in freshwater lakes and streams as well as in salt water. • Hagfish • Hagfish, or blind eels, are found only in salt water and feed mainly on dead fish. lamprey

14. Let’s Review Fish!!! Click on the correct choice. The majority of fish fall into which class? • Bony Fish • Cartilaginous Fish • Jawless Fish

15. OOPS! You chose B. Cartilaginous Fish. That is incorrect. Think about the majority of fish you have seen in your life…what is hard inside their body?

16. OOPS! You chose C. Jawless Fish. That is incorrect. Think about the majority of fish you have seen in your life…what is hard inside their body?

17. Good Job! Yes. The correct choice is A Bony Fish. About 95% of all fish are considered bony fish!

18. Let’s Review Fish!!! Click on the correct choice. Which fin gives the fish balance, steering, and braking? • Dorsal Fin • Caudal Fin (tail) • Pectoral and Pelvic Fins

19. OOPS! You chose B. Caudal Fin (tail). That is incorrect. The caudal fin (tail) actually gives the fish the power to move forward.

20. OOPS! You chose A. Dorsal Fin. That is incorrect. The dorsal fin keeps the fish from rolling over.

21. Good Job! Yes. The correct choice is C. Pectoral and Pelvic Fin. These allow the fish to balance, steer, and brake.

22. Amphibians • These animals have smooth skin • Most spend at least part of their life in water. • Amphibians are cold-blooded (hibernate in winter). • They usually have three life stages: egg, larva, adult (metamorphosis). • Includes: Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, and Newts. Salamander newts Ever wonder what the difference between a frog and a toad was? Click here to find out! toad

23. Reptiles • These animals have dry, scaly skin. • They are cold-blooded (hibernate in winter). • Some live in the water, but most are adapted to life on land. • Most reptiles lay soft-shelled eggs, but some bear live young. • Includes: Lizards, Snakes, Turtles, and Crocodiles. Fast Fact! Did you know that snakes smell with their tongue! Iguana Turtle Crocodile

24. Birds • Birds are warm-blooded. • They have hollow bones and feathers. • Most can fly at least short distances. • Birds are born from hard-shelled eggs. • Includes: Raptors, Gulls, Songbirds, and Fowl. Raptor Gull Fowl

25. Mammals • These animals usually have hair/fur. • They give birth to live young and feed their young with milk. • Have the most complex brains and nervous systems of any animal on earth. • Mammals are warm-blooded. • Includes: Rodents, Hoofed animals, Marsupials, Bats, Rabbits, Weasels, Raccoons, Bears, Dogs, and Cats. Rodent Bat Dog

26. Not So Fast!! Let’s try one quick review question!

27. Vertebrate Review • You see a greenish-brownish colored animal walking in your yard. You get brave, and decide to touch it. It’s skin is dry and scaly. What kind of animal is it most likely? • Amphibian • Mammal • Reptile

28. OOPS! You chose A. Amphibian. That is incorrect. Amphibians have smooth skin.

29. OOPS! You chose B. Mammal. That is incorrect. A mammal’s skin would most likely be furry.

30. Good Job! Yes. The correct choice is C. reptile Reptiles have dry, scaly skin.

31. Fun Facts! • What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? • Click here to find out! • What’s the difference between a reptile and an amphibian? • Click here to find out!