Ch 5: Overview of Vertebrates

About This Chapter

This overview of vertebrates can improve your understanding of different types of amphibians, reptiles, and birds. These lessons and quizzes are a convenient and mobile-friendly way to study for a test.

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.

6 Lessons in Chapter 5: Overview of Vertebrates
Test your knowledge with a 30-question chapter practice test
Vertebrates: Definition, Features & Classification

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.

Class Osteichthyes: Characteristics & Examples

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.

Amphibians: Traits, Types & Roles

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.

Reptiles: Features, Types & Importance

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.

Birds: Traits, Types & Importance

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.

Mammals: Traits, Behavior & Grouping

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.

Chapter Practice Exam
Test your knowledge of this chapter with a 30 question practice chapter exam.
Not Taken
Practice Final Exam
Test your knowledge of the entire course with a 50 question practice final exam.
Not Taken
More Exams
There are even more practice exams available in Overview of Vertebrates.

Earning College Credit

Did you know… We have over 220 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.

To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page

Support