Vertebrates

What are the characteristics of mammals?

• Mammals have scales and lay eggs

• Mammals have feathers and can fly

• Mammals are cold-blooded and have gills for breathing

• Mammals have hair or fur, are warm-blooded, give birth to live young, and produce milk to feed their offspring.

Name three examples of mammals.

• Dogs, cats, and elephants

• Sharks, dolphins, and jellyfish

• Birds, fish, and insects

• Snakes, lizards, and turtles

What are the unique features of birds that distinguish them from other vertebrates?

• Scales, claws, and heavy skeletons

• Fur, teeth, and flexible spines

• Feathers, beaks, and lightweight skeletons

• Gills, fins, and scales

How do reptiles regulate their body temperature?

• Thermoregulation

• Hibernation

• Sweating

• Panting

Name two types of reptiles and describe their habitats.

• Lizards live in cold, snowy habitats.

• Turtles are found in dry, arid habitats.

• Alligators are commonly found in saltwater habitats.

• Two types of reptiles are snakes and crocodiles. Snakes can be found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, forests, and deserts. Crocodiles are typically found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and swamps.

What are the key differences between amphibians and reptiles?

• Moist skin and give birth to live young vs. dry scaly skin and lay eggs on land

• Moist skin and lay eggs in water vs. dry scaly skin and lay eggs on land

• Dry skin and lay eggs in water vs. moist scaly skin and lay eggs on land

• Moist skin and lay eggs on land vs. dry scaly skin and lay eggs in water

Explain the process of metamorphosis in amphibians.

• Metamorphosis in amphibians involves a series of stages including larva, chrysalis, and adult.

• Metamorphosis in amphibians involves a series of stages including tadpole, cocoon, and adult.

• Metamorphosis in amphibians involves a series of stages including egg, larva, metamorph, and adult.

• Metamorphosis in amphibians involves a series of stages including egg, pupa, and adult.

What are the main characteristics of fish?

• Gills for breathing, fins for swimming, and scales covering their bodies

• Scales for protection, webbed feet for swimming, and beak for eating

• Lungs for breathing, fur for warmth, and claws for climbing

• Feathers for flying, fur for warmth, and claws for hunting

How are fish classified based on their habitat?

• Warm water, cold water, and temperate water

• Freshwater, saltwater, and brackish water

• Shallow water, deep water, and surface water

• Tropical water, polar water, and equatorial water

What are the different classes of vertebrates and provide an example for each?

• Amphibians - Example: Shark

• Reptiles - Example: Penguin

• Fish - Example: Salmon, Amphibians - Example: Frog, Reptiles - Example: Snake, Birds - Example: Eagle, Mammals - Example: Human

• Fish - Example: Elephant