Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone or a spinal column. They belong to the subphylum Vertebrata within the phylum Chordata. Vertebrates are highly diverse, and they include many different types of animals, such as fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians.
Examples of vertebrates include:
1. Fish: Fish are aquatic animals that have gills, fins, and a streamlined body. They are the most numerous group of vertebrates and include thousands of species such as tuna, salmon, trout, and catfish.
2. Reptiles: Reptiles are cold-blooded animals that have dry, scaly skin, and they lay eggs. They include snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles.
3. Birds: Birds are warm-blooded animals that have feathers, a beak, and two wings. They are known for their ability to fly and include many species such as eagles, pigeons, sparrows, and ducks.
4. Mammals: Mammals are warm-blooded animals that have hair or fur, and they nurse their young with milk. They include many species such as humans, dogs, cats, whales, and bats.
5. Amphibians: Amphibians are cold-blooded animals that live both on land and in water. They include frogs, toads, and salamanders.
Vertebrates are called so because they have a backbone or a spinal column made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. These bones provide support and structure to the body, protect the spinal cord, and allow for movement. The evolution of vertebrates was one of the most significant events in the history of life on Earth, as it allowed animals to become larger and more complex.