10 characteristics of vertebrates

The Vertebrae is a sub-phylum of phylum chordata. The Vertebrates are characterised by the Presence of a backbone or vertebral column.

They are divided into five classes. These are:

1- Pisces (fishes)

2- Amphibia (Amphibians)

3- Reptilia (Reptiles)

4- Aves (Birds)

5- Mammalia (Mammals)

These classes of Vertebrates differ in some ways although they have some characteristics in common.

10 characteristics of vertebrates:

1- they possess an internal jointed skeleton made up of cartilage and /or bones.

2- they have bilaterally symmetrical bodies.

3- they body is divided into head, trunk and tail.

4- They have two pair of limbs. The pectoral limbs form the fore-limbs or legs wings while the pelvic limbs form the hind limbs or legs.

5- They have well developed central nervous system with brain and spinal cord.

6- They have well developed sense organs.

7- They have a closed blood system which comprises the blood vessels and the heart.

8- They have efficient excretory organs such as kidneys.

9- They are triploblastic animals.

10- they possess skin which may be naked or have a covering of scales, feathers or hairs.

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