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What is a vertebrate (Characteristics of chordates (Nerve cord in the back…
What is a vertebrate
Characteristics of chordates
notochord
a notochord is a flexible rod that supports a chordate's back
part or all of a notochord can be replaced by a backbone
Nerve cord in the back
all chordates have a nerve cord that runs down their back
the spinal chord is a nerve cord
messages travel back and fourth through nerve cords
Slits in throat area
at one point or another in their lives chordates have slits in their throat area called pharyngeal
some chordates keep these slits for gills for their entire life
in some animals including humans the slits go away even before birth
characteristics of vertebrates
backbone
a backbone often referred to as a spine
vertabrae are smaller bones in the backbone that allow the backbone to be flexable
the vertabrae are like little rings so the nerve cord can run through it
internal skeleton
the backbone of all vertabrate is part of an endo skeleton
the endoskeleton protects the internal organs, for example the skull protects the brain
Keeping conditions stable
ectotherms
Fishes, amphibians and reptiles are all ectotherms
an ectotherm's body does not produce much internal heat
its body temperture changes depending on the heat of their environment
these animals are often called cold-blooded
endotherms
a beaver is an example of an endotherm
endotherms regulate their own body temerture by controlling their inner heat that they produce
endotherms have sweat glands and fur or feathers