Copy of Vertebrates

The animal kingdom is divided into two groups. Vertebrates are animals with backbones and invertebrates are animals without backbones.

Fish are the most diverse group of vertebrates. They live their whole life in the water. They have gills that take oxygen from the water. Fish are usually covered with scales. They lay thousands of eggs at a time.

Amphibians live part of their lives in the water and part on land. Most adult amphibians live on land but need water for reproduction. They have moist skin and lay 100's of eggs. Most have four legs.

Reptiles have dry, thick skin covered with scales. Reptiles breathe with lungs and lay leathery eggs.

Birds have feathers and wings. They have hollow bones and air sacs that help them fly. They lay hard shelled eggs.

Mammals have fur, are warm blooded, and give birth to live young. They also nurse (provide milk) to their young. Humans are mammals.

Sometimes mammals fight. The force is stronger in some than others.

Birds

Reptiles

Fish

Amphibians

The Five Classes

Vertebrates

Mammals