What Is a Vertebrate? | Learn about the animals of the Vertebrata subphylum

Did you know that mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and amphibians all have quite a few traits in common? In this video for kids, you and your students will learn all about the different animals that belong to a group we call vertebrates. When you think of vertebrates, you probably think of the presence of a backbone. But there are even more common traits among these unique animals.Show more

There are five key characteristics that distinguish vertebrates from other animals. They have backbones, skulls, endoskeletons, bilateral symmetry, and two pairs of appendages. These traits allow their muscles to attach to points that can be used for movement. All vertebrates also have a heart and kidneys.

Vertebrates further classify into seven classes based on their anatomical features. These classes are mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, bony fish, cartilaginous fish, and jawless fish. Mammals are endothermic so they can regulate their body temperature. Birds have feathers and toothless beaks. They also lay hard-shelled eggs. Reptiles also lay eggs. Reptiles include snakes and crocodiles. Amphibians are a little unique in that they undergo metamorphosis as they go from birth to adulthood.