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What is a Vertebrate (Characteristics of Chordates (Nerve cord in Back…
What is a Vertebrate
Characteristics of Chordates
Notochord
the notochord is a flexible rod that supports the chordates back.
Nerve cord in Back
all chordates have a nerve chord that runs down their back.
the nerve cord is the connection between the brain and the nerves.
many animals have nerve cords that do not run down their backs.
Slits in Throat Area
at some point in their lives chordates have a slit in their throat area called pharyngeal.
these are gils or slits
some creatures like fish keep their pharyngeal for their entire lives
some creatures such as humans have their disappear before birth.
Keeping Conditions Stable
Endotherms
An Endotherm is an animal whose body regulates it's own temperature.
Birds
Mammals
Adaptations
Sweat Glands
on hot days some endotherms sweat and the sweat evaporates and the animal is cooled.
Fur/Feathers
These will keep the animal warm in cooler weather.
Ectotherms
an Ectotherm is an animal whose body does not produce much internal heat
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
body temperature
their body temps. change based on the temperature of their enviornment
ectotherms are most commonly called coldblooded
Characteristics of Vertebrates
Backbone
a vertebrates backbone (spine) runs down its back
the backbone is formed from many other bones called vertebrae.
vertebrae
the vertebrae are lined up in a row like beads or string.
joints
these are movable connections between the vertebrae and give the spine flexibility
each vertebrae has a hole that allows the spinal cord to pass through it.
the spinal cord fits through the vertebrae like a finger through rings.
Internal Skeleton
endoskeleton
the endoskeleton protects the internal organs of the body,helps give the body shape, and gives the muscles a place to attach.
skull
the skull protects the brain and is part of the endoskeleton
ribs
the ribs protect the heart, lungs, and other internal organs.
characteristics
an endoskeleton doesn't need to be replaced as the animal grows
it forms an internal frame