Explain the classification of vertebrates in detail

Vertebrates are further divided into five groups:

Fish

Amphibians

Reptiles

Birds

Mammals

1:- Fish

Fish is the largest group of vertebrates. All fishes live in fresh water and salt waterThey are called aquatic animals. Following are the characteristics of fish.

Fish have fins and tail which help them to swim.

Fish respire with the help of gills.

Bodies of most fish are covered by scales.

The lay eggs in the water.

2:- Amphibian:

Amphibian are animals that an live in water and on land. They lay eggs in water. In fact, the term comes from the Greek word amphibious, which means double Life. Their characteristics are as follows.

They have soft and moist skin.

They have four legs.

They have gills for respiration during the early stage of their life. But when they matare, the gills are replaced by lungs.

They lay eggs in water in moist places.

3:- Reptiles:

The vertebrates animals which crawling are called reptiles. Reptiles are found in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Most of the reptiles live on land some can live in water Following are characteristics of reptiles.

i. They move by crawling.

ii. They have lungs.

iii. Their bodies are covered with scales or hard shells.

iv. They lay eggs on land.

4:- Birds (Aves)

Vertebrates which have feathers and wings are considered as birds. Most birds can fly but some birds like kiwi, penguin and ostrich cannot fly. Most birds live on land. Some birds can swim in the water like penguins.

Following are the characteristics of birds:

(i) Their bodies are covered with feathers.

(ii) They have a pair of wings and a pair of legs.

(ii) They have strong beaks but no teeth.

(iv) They have hollow light bones that enable them to fly.

(v) They lay eggs.

There are many examples of birds like,crow,kite,kiwi, penguin, and the parrot etc.

Fig:- There are many examples of birds

5:- Mammals:-

Mammals are the most advance group of animals. Mammals have mammary glands that which produce milk for their children. Most mammals live on land. However, some live in water, e.g. dolphins and whales. The body system of mammals are designed to support activities such as running, swimming, climbing, hopping and flying.