Ch 5: Overview of Vertebrates
About This Chapter
Overview of Vertebrates - Chapter Summary
In this chapter on vertebrates, brief video lessons review topics like the features of reptiles and how birds fly. You will also explore the defining features of the Osteichthyes class of fish. After completing the chapter, you should be able to do the following:
- List animals included in the vertebrates category
- Recall characteristics of fish in the Osteichthyes class
- Describe different types of amphibians
- Explain why reptiles are important
- Discuss the ecological and economical significance of birds
- Describe how scientists group mammals
A brief quiz is available for each lesson. The quizzes link back to specific topics in the video, so if you get a question wrong you can quickly review that topic. If you have any questions about the material, you can contact our expert instructors.

1. Vertebrates: Definition, Features & Classification
Vertebrates are organisms that have a backbone, or spinal column. Learn about the definition of vertebrates, and explore the features and classification that distinguish them from invertebrates.

2. Class Osteichthyes: Characteristics & Examples
Osteichthyes are bony fish that represent the world's biggest group of vertebrates. Explore the facts, characteristics, and examples of osteichthyes. Learn about classifying organisms and review the subclasses of osteichthyes.

3. Amphibians: Traits, Types & Roles
Amphibians are cold-blooded vertebrates that have moist skin without scales and can live in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Learn more about amphibians, and explore their traits, types, and roles.

4. Reptiles: Features, Types & Importance
Reptiles are vertebrates that have dry, scaly skin and mostly lay shelled eggs. Learn about the definition, features, and types of reptiles and understand why they are important.

5. Birds: Traits, Types & Importance
Birds are feathered, warm-blooded vertebrates that are capable of flight. Explore the general traits of birds and their diverse types, discover how they fly, review their breeding habits, and examine their ecological importance.

6. Mammals: Traits, Behavior & Grouping
Mammals are warm-blooded vertebrates distinguished by live births and the possession of hair or fur. Explore the general traits of mammals and learn about their behaviors, reproduction, and groupings.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the ISC Biology: Study Guide & Syllabus course
- Microscopes Basics & Techniques
- Classification & Diversity of Life
- Kingdom Monera, Protista & Fungi
- Classification in the Animal Kingdom
- Classification in the Plant Kingdom
- Plant Physiology: Growth & Nutrition
- Plant Tissue: Structure & Function
- Absorption & Movement of Water in Plants
- Plant Morphology
- Reproduction of Flowering Plants
- Mechanisms of Photosynthesis
- Mechanisms of Cellular Respiration
- Cell Structure Overview
- Cell Membrane Basics
- DNA Basics
- Recombinant DNA & Its Applications
- Overview of Basic Genetic Principles
- Chromosomes & Genetics
- The Cell Cycle, Mitosis & Meiosis
- Overview of Biomolecules
- Enzyme Mechanisms
- Animal Tissue: Structure & Function
- Nutrition & the Digestive System
- Human Respiratory System Overview
- Basics of the Circulatory System
- Excretory System Overview
- Endocrine System Overview
- Basics of the Nervous System
- The Musculoskeletal System
- Human Reproduction & Development Basics
- Human Disease & Defense
- Origin & Evolution of Life
- Overview of Ecosystems
- Community Ecology Overview
- Overview of Biodiversity
- Environmental Biology Overview
- Biological Applications in Agriculture
- ISC Biology Flashcards