VERTEBRATES
LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson,
pupils should be able to:
• describe vertebrate
animals
• classify vertebrates
into its group
• give examples of
vertebrate animals
VERTEBRATES
Animals that possess
a backbone are called
vertebrates. Key
features include a
hollow backbone and
cranium, or skull,
which safeguard the
spinal cord and brain.
VERTEBRATES
Vertebrates can be
broadly classified
into five main
groups: mammals
reptiles
birds
fish
amphibians
CLASSIFICATION BASED
ON BODY STRUCTURE
BIRDS
Vertebrate animals
that have feathers,
wings, and warm-
blooded metabolisms
are known as birds.
As a defining feature,
all birds have wings -
though not all birds can
fly. While most species
are capable of flight,
some are not.
FISH
Aquatic vertebrate
animals that have
gills are known as
fish. Due to their
cold-blooded nature,
their body
temperature
fluctuates following
their environment.
REPTILE
Reptiles are a type of
cold-blooded animal
characterized by their
scaly skin and leathery
eggs. Their skin is
typically dry and
covered with scales or
bony plates.
Additionally, reptiles
are known to lay soft-
shelled eggs.
AMPHIBIANS
Amphibians are
cold-blooded
creatures that are
identified by their
moist, scale-less
skin. They live part
of their lives in
water and part on
land.
MAMMALS
Mammals are warm-
blooded animals that
possess hair or fur
and mammary glands
capable of producing
milk. They are
considered one of the
most intelligent of all
living beings.
CLASSIFICATION BASED
ON REPRODUCTION
VIVIPAROUS
viviparous animals
reproduce by giving
birth to young ones
IVOPAROUS
Oviparous animals
produce and lay eggs
where the young
further develop outside
of the parent’s body,
such as sea turtles,
most lizards, and birds,
among others.
THANK YOU
I hope you learn something new
today!
