The word "vertebrated" is spelled with three syllables: ver-te-bra-ted. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound "er" as in "her" and the next two syllables have the "eh" sound as in "get." The final syllable ends with the sound "ted" as in "waited." The definition of "vertebrated" refers to animals that have a spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. Remembering the correct spelling of this word can be tricky, but understanding its phonetic transcription can help us vocalize it correctly.
Vertebrated refers to organisms that possess a vertebral column or backbone, which is a defining characteristic of the subphylum Vertebrata in the animal kingdom. Vertebrates include a vast array of animals, ranging from fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The vertebral column is composed of individual vertebrae, which provide structural support to the body and serve as attachment points for muscles. This skeletal framework surrounds and protects the spinal cord, which is a crucial part of the central nervous system. The presence of a vertebral column allows vertebrates to exhibit a higher degree of mobility and adaptability compared to invertebrates.
Vertebrates also possess other distinguishing features such as a well-developed head with a skull, a bilateral symmetry, and a complex sensory system. They have a closed circulatory system, with a heart that pumps blood through blood vessels. Vertebrates are typically able to control their body temperature, exhibiting either endothermy (the ability to generate heat internally) or ectothermy (relying on external sources for temperature control).
The evolutionary success of vertebrates is largely attributed to their adaptability, which has allowed them to inhabit almost every corner of the planet, including various terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats. Their diversity of form, physiology, and behavior has led to their domination in terms of abundance and biomass in many ecosystems.
Having a backbone or vertebral column.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "vertebrated" is derived from the Latin word "vertebra", which means "joint" or "joint of the spine". The term was first coined in the 18th century to describe animals possessing a backbone or spinal column, consisting of individual bony segments known as vertebrae.