Classification of Vertebrate Animals Animals With Backbones AMPHIBIAN

Classification of Vertebrate Animals

Animals With Backbones AMPHIBIAN FISH MAMMAL BIRD adapted from http: //gideon. k 12. mo. us/teachers/jswi REPTILE

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