The word Vertebrata is derived from the Latin word vertebratus meaning having a backbone. Animals in which the embryonic notochord is fully replaced by bony or cartilaginous vertebrae are called Vertebrata. Vertebrata or vertebrates are known as higher order animals. Because their brain is located in the cranium, their other name is craniata. Their species number is 66,178 (IUCN, 2014).
Vertebrates (fish) have been in the ocean for over 150 million years. Hands and feet evolved in a group of vertebrates about 365 million years ago. As a result, they qualify as amphibians to live in water and on land. Over time, the descendants of amphibians adapted and evolved into reptiles, birds and mammals.
Characteristics of Vertebrata
1. Their notochord is replaced by a spinal cord.
2. The anterior part of the hollow nerve forms the brain and the posterior part the spinal cord.
3. They have 5-15 pairs of pharyngeal florets.
4. Lateral pairs of fins or feet act as their locomotion organs.
5. Blood circulatory system is closed type. It is composed of a muscular heart, blood vessels and red blood (containing hemoglobin).
6. Body skin consists of the epidermis (derived from the ectoderm) and the dermis (derived from the mesoderm).
7. 2-4 chambered heart and blood vessels.
8. The brain is protected by the cortex. Brain contains 10-12 pairs of carotid nerves.
9. There is an endoskeleton made of bone or cartilage. Arises from the intraskeletal neural crest.
10. Skin glands, feathers, scales, nails, claws, hairs, horns, hooves etc. exist in the body.
11. There are different types of endocrine glands in the body.
12. Nutrition is complete; Consists of muscular alimentary canal, liver and pancreas.
13. There are well-developed kidneys for excretion and osmoregulation.
[Key words to remember features: spinal cord, brain, mesentery, pharynx, feet, fins, closed circulatory system, carotid nerve, endoskeleton, excretion, osmoregulation]