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What Is a Vertebrate? (Characteristics of Chordates (Nerve Cord in back…
What Is a Vertebrate?
Characteristics of Chordates
Vertebrates are a subgroup in the phylum, Chordata. Very few Chordates are invertebrates. In at least one part in a chordates' life they will have a notochord which is a nerve cord that goes through their back, and then pouches in their throat
Nerve Cord in back
Spinal chords are nerve cords. It is the connection between the brain and the nerves.
Pouches in Throat Area
At some point in their lives, chordates have pouches in their throat areas. In many vertebrates, also humans, the pouches in the throat area disappear before they are born.
Notochord
The name Chordata actually comes from the name notochord. It is a flexible rod that supports a chordate's back. Only some chordates have notochords all their lives. Usually the notochord is replaced by a backbone
Characteristics of Vertebrates
Vertebrates have backbones that are part of an internal skeleton, or an endoskeleton. It supports the body and allows it to move
Backbone
The singular bones on the back bone are called vertebrae. The vertebrae is lined up like beads on string like formation
Internal skeleton
The backbone of a vertebrate is part of its endoskeleton, or an internal skeleton. The endoskeleton protects the internal organs of the body, gives the body its shape, and it gives the muscles places to attach. An endoskeleton does not need to be replaced or regrown when the animal grows. It will also supports the body against the gravitational pull. Animals usually grow bigger than animals with exoskeletons or no skeletons at all
Keeping Conditions Stable
Fish, amphibians and reptiles temperatures depend on their environment. Mammals and birds have stable body temperatures that is usually warmer than their environment
Endotherms
An endothermic is an animal who can control it's own internal body heat. Their body temperature does not change very much. Endotherms sweat in order to control their body temperature. Since they can control their body heats, they can live in lots of more places than ectotherms can.
Ectotherms
Fishes, amphibians and reptiles are ectotherms. Ectotherms are animals whose bodies can't produce very much internal heat. They are also called coldblooded animals. (Their blood isn't actually cold)