Classification of Vertebrate Animals

Animals With Backbones AMPHIBIAN FISH MAMMAL BIRD REPTILE adapted from http://gideon.k12.mo.us/teachers/jswilley/htdocs/Classification%20of%20Animals.ppt

Animals With Backbones Animals with backbones are called vertebrates.

Fish

Fish Characteristics Largest group of vertebrates. Many are covered with scales that protect them. They have fins that help them to steer and balance in the water. Their body temperatures vary in the water. Exothermic They breathe through gills. Have swim bladders for buoyancy.

Amphibians

Amphibian Characteristics Lay their soft eggs in water. As adult, can live on land. Their body temperature varies with their surroundings. Exothermic Young amphibians breathe through gills. Adult amphibians breathe air from lungs. Some have smooth moist skin. Have Legs. Frogs, Salamanders, Newts

Reptiles

Reptile Characteristics Snakes, Lizard, Crocodile Lay their amniotic eggs on land. Amniotic (shell w/ fluid filled sac inside) Dry scaly skin. Their body temperature varies with their environment. Exothermic

Birds

Bird Characteristics Birds lay hard shelled eggs that hatch in their nest. Have wings and they are covered with feathers The bird’s skeleton is very light in weight. This helps them to fly. Endothermic (can regulate own body temperature) Ostrich, Eagle, Hummingbird, Penguin

Mammals

Mammal Characteristics Ape, lions, kangaroos, bats, Young grows inside of mother, most give live birth Have hair. Feed milk to their young. Endothermic

Assignment: Create a Virtual Zoo