Transcript A look at DIversity-Vertebrates vertebrates

Vertebrates
• 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!
Fish
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
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.
• The first vertebrate arose 500 m.y.a.
called the myllokunmingia, or type of
jawless fish.
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
don’t generate much heat are called
poikilotherms. They must pick up heat from
the environment, or avoid it when it’s too hot.
• 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.
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.
• 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.
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 mother’s body.
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 don’t live???
• 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.