Vertebrates Slide 2 Vertebrates are part of Kingdom Animalia.
They are members of the subphylum Vertebrata, which have a backbone
or spinal column. There are many different kinds-they come in all
shapes and sizes! Slide 3 Fish Slide 4 Amphibians Slide 5 Reptiles
Slide 6 Birds Slide 7 Mammals Slide 8 Evolution Vertebrates are the
most highly evolved organisms. Their bodies are divided into
different systems to accomplish various tasks. For example all
vertebrates have a nervous system, reproductive system, circulatory
system, digestive system, and respiratory system. Of course, they
have eukaroytic cells. Slide 9 The first vertebrate arose 500
m.y.a. called the myllokunmingia, or type of jawless fish. Slide 10
Homeostasis Vertebrates use their different systems to maintain
internal balance. For example, in maintaining body temperature,
vertebrates use a variety of methods. Animals that have a low
metabolic rate and dont generate much heat are called
poikilotherms. They must pick up heat from the environment, or
avoid it when its too hot. Slide 11 Lizards and snakes are
poikilotherms and must lie in the sun to warm up their muscles in
order to move. Homeotherms have a high metabolic rate which
generates a significant amount of internal heat. Therefore, they do
not necessarily have to move to colder or warmer areas to maintain
a constant internal temperature. Slide 12 Energy Vertebrates are
heterotrophic. Their diet is widely varied - they can be
carnivorous, herbivorous, ominivorous or detritivores. All
vertebrates have a well developed digestive system to help them
obtain and use energy. Slide 13 Most vertebrates have special
adaptations that help them with the digestive/eating process. For
example, birds have a crop. This is an enlarged area of the
esophagus where food can be stored and moistened before it goes
into the stomach. In some species the crop stores regurgitated food
for their babies. Slide 14 Reproduction Except for rare exceptions,
vertebrates have two separate genders within a species. Oviparous
vertebrates lay eggs. Ovoviparous vertebrates have eggs, but they
develop and hatch internally. Vivaparous vertebrates have embryos
that are nourished by the mothers body. Slide 15 Ecology Even
though a very small percent of living organisms are vertebrates,
they tend to dominate due to their size and mobility. Vertebrates
live in almost every part of the world. Can you think of a place
where they dont live??? Slide 16 Each vertebrate plays an important
role in a certain biome. For example, many birds have a vital role
in the lives of plants. Hummingbirds help pollinate flowers. Fruit
eating birds help disperse seeds.
