Vertebrate Animals
Meet the Protagonists of Animal Life
They are one of the most fascinating groups in the animal kingdom, bringing together creatures with spinal columns and a sophisticated central nervous system. This group includes five broad categories: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Who Are the Vertebrates?
These animals' main characteristic is the presence of a vertebral column, which protects the spinal cord and provides support to the body. Furthermore, they have an internal skeleton that allows a wide variety of movements and adaptations, in addition to complex systems, such as the circulatory, digestive and nervous systems.
Fish are the pioneers among vertebrates and live exclusively in aquatic environments. Amphibians, such as toads and frogs, divide their lives between water and land, while reptiles have conquered drier environments thanks to their scaly skin. Birds dominated the skies with light feathers and bones, while mammals, which include humans, stand out for their parental care and ability to regulate their body temperature.
Importance
Vertebrates are fundamental to the balance of ecosystems, controlling populations of prey and predators, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds.
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