The term "Vertebrata" refers to a subphylum within the animal kingdom that includes all organisms possessing a backbone or vertebral column as a key characteristic. It is derived from the Latin word "vertebra," meaning a joint or articulation. Vertebrata is one of the five subphyla under the phylum Chordata, along with the other subphyla Cephalochordata, Tunicata, Hemichordata, and Echinodermata.
Members of the Vertebrata subphylum are the most familiar and diverse group of animals, containing over 65,000 known species. This group encompasses a wide array of organisms, ranging from fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, to mammals, including humans.
The defining feature of Vertebrata is the presence of a backbone, which provides support and protection for the spinal cord. The backbone is composed of individual bones called vertebrae, which are connected by joints and cushioned by intervertebral discs. These structures offer flexibility and allow for movement in these organisms.
Alongside the vertebral column, Vertebrata share other characteristics such as bilateral symmetry, a closed circulatory system, a complex nervous system, and the presence of a cranium that encloses the brain. Additionally, many vertebrates possess the ability to regulate their body temperature internally, giving them the classification of "warm-blooded" or endothermic.
Overall, Vertebrata represents a highly diverse group of animals united by their possession of a backbone, demonstrating their evolutionary adaptation for locomotion, protection, and support.
