Some of the animals we see and know in our daily lives fall into the category of vertebrate animals. As we can categorize animals within themselves, we can also categorize them as vertebrates and invertebrates. These animals, which have spines on their backs, are divided into different categories as vertebrates according to their species. The spinal structures of these animals are made up of bones, cartilage and nerves.
Vertebrates are divided into 5 species in total. Within these species, there are various animals that fall into the category of vertebrate animals. We have brought together 21 of these animals for you. Vertebrate animals also have positive aspects compared to invertebrate animal species, and these plus features provide them with great comfort in nature. So, what are the vertebrate animals with features that distinguish them from other animals, what are their features? Let’s examine it with all the details.
What are vertebrate animals?
Vertebrates are divided into 5 different species. These; birds, reptiles, fish, frogs and mammals that we encounter frequently. But of course, we have listed below which animals have the characteristics of vertebrate animals among these animal species.
birds
Almost the vast majority of bird species fall into the category of vertebrates. Although birds are made up of bones, cartilage and nerves, they also have the characteristics of vertebrate animals. Birds in the category of vertebrate animals are; It is divided into 6 in total as pigeon, seagull, stork, goose, chicken and penguin.
reptiles
Another species referred to as vertebrates is reptiles. Nile crocodile, water turtle, green lizard and chameleons, which belong to the reptilian species, have a backbone system compared to other animals.
Fishes
The fish species is a comprehensive species that includes a wide variety of animals. Among the fish species, there are rare fish that fall into the category of vertebrate animals. These fish are horse mackerel, tuna, dolphins, trout, humpback whales and dolphins. The shark and other popular fish we know from fish species are considered invertebrates.
Mammals
Let’s come to our animals that have a special backbone system and fall into the category of vertebrate animals among mammals. When we say mammals, we must have some kind of animal in mind. 5 of these animals are among the vertebrate animals. These; Kangaroo, elephant, cow, goat and rabbit species.
frogs
All frog species are included in the category of vertebrate animals. All frogs living on land and in the sea have their own unique bone, cartilage and nervous systems. Therefore, they can be fully included in the category of vertebrate animals.
So what are the characteristics of vertebrate animals?
- They have developed nervous systems
- They have closed circulatory systems
- They have notochords
- Excretory organs are kidneys
- They reproduce sexually separately
- They can perform external fertilization and internal fertilization.
- They feed holozoic.
They have developed nervous systems
The most important feature that distinguishes vertebrates from invertebrates is their nervous system. Invertebrates do not have nervous systems. Vertebrates, on the other hand, have the most developed nervous system among living things. Vertebrates have a long nerve cord on their back. However, the nervous system is divided into two as central and peripheral.
They have closed circulatory systems
Among the characteristics of all the vertebrates we see is that they have closed circulatory systems. Like vertebrates, some invertebrates have closed circulatory systems. For example, flatworms are invertebrates but have a closed circulatory system. All vertebrates, regardless of their species, have a closed circulatory system.
They have notochords
Vertebrates have notochords before their spines are formed. Notochords are known as the primitive skeletons of the vertebrae. In addition, their notochords provide their nervous system, skeleton, and form of most muscles in their bodies.
Excretory organs are kidneys
You can see that in all vertebrates, the excretory organs are kidneys. In invertebrates, the excretory system occurs by diffusion from the body surface. This is exactly one of the biggest features that can distinguish vertebrates from invertebrates.
They reproduce asexually
Discrete sexuality is when the animal has only one of any sex. The type of heterosexuality now appears at least in plants, although heterosexual reproduction is observed in nearly all vertebrates.
They can perform external fertilization and internal fertilization.
Vertebrates have both types of reproduction. However, in some invertebrates they can still have internal or external fertilization. Internal fertilization is the type of fertilization that occurs as a result of the fusion of cells in the female’s body. In internal fertilization, the oviduct or uterus of the female creature is used. Land-dwelling creatures have more internal fertilization. External fertilization, on the other hand, applies to aquatic animals. Organisms with external fertilization release gametes into the water. In this way, fertilization occurs.
They feed holozoic.
Holozoic nutrition is the way food that is swallowed orally as solid particles goes down through the digestive stages. Most living things today belong to the holozoic diet. You may have seen the system in which solid foods are enzymatically descended from the digestive systems in most living things. Vertebrates also feed on holozoic animals.
they have tails
The most important features that make vertebrate animals stand out compared to invertebrates are their tail structures. Vertebrates have tails compared to invertebrates. This plays a big role in choosing them more easily than invertebrates. To give examples of tailed animals, we can present examples of birds, chameleons, crocodiles and many other vertebrate animals.
We have answered the questions of what are vertebrate animals and what are their characteristics. Vertebrates have quite different features that make them stand out from invertebrates. Chief among these are their tails, different excretory and digestive systems. Most of the animals we see frequently in our daily lives are in the category of vertebrate animals. What do you know about vertebrate animals? Don’t forget to share with us!
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