Characteristics of the classes of vertebrates

Class of vertebrate Characteristic

Mammals  Warm blooded
e.g : cow, whale, cat, monkey,  Bodies covered with hair or fur
dolphin  Breathe through lungs
 Reproduction by internal fertilization
 Give birth to their young, except platypus and porcupine
 Live on land, except whale, platypus and dolphin
Reptiles  Cold blooded
e.g : snake, crocodile, tortoise,  Bodies covered with hard and dry scales
lizard  Breathe through lungs
 Reproduction by internal fertilization.
 Lay eggs which are covered with shell
 Live on land but some live in water
Amphibians  Cold blooded
e.g : frog, salamander, toad  Breathe through gills when young and lungs when fully
grown
 Skin is moist
 Reproduction by external fertilization.
 Lay egg in water
 Live in water and on land
Birds  Warm blooded
e.g : eagle, duck, penguin  Bodies covered with feathers
 Has a beak
 Breathe through lungs
 Reproduction by internal fertilization.
 Lay eggs which are covered with shell
 Live on land
 Can fly but some can also swim
Fish  Cold blooded
e.g : shark, goldfish, sea horse,  Bodies covered with slimy scales
salmon  Have fins
 Breathe through gills
 Reproduction by external fertilization.
 Lay egg in water