Vertebrates
Here's a really quick way of testing if you've learned the meanings of the key words in this section.
Look at the key word on the card and see if you can remember its definition.
If you get stuck, you can be shown the mnemonic to reveal an image that should help you remember.
To check if you're right, or remind you if you've forgotten, press the card to flip it.
Go through the whole list to see how many definitions you can recall.
Revisit any that you had difficulty remembering until you're confident you can
recall all of them.
What is the definition of a vertebrate?
Animals with backbones
Imagine the human backbone as being a vertical brace (vertebrate) holding the body upright.
Vertebrates are divided into five classes, the easiest way to remember these is using our picture sequence. This will allow you to answer:
Vertibrates are divided into the following classes
Mammals
Fur = mammal
And
Reptiles
Dry scales = reptile
And
Amphibians
Moist skin = amphibian
Along with the above what three other features are used to place vertebrates into classes?
Breathing system
With a vertical brace inserted, it might be difficult to breathe (breathing system).
And
Thermoregulation
A vertical brace would be cold, and a thermometer could show how much regulation was needed to maintain body temperature (thermoregulation).
And
Reproduction methods
Imagine a couple who have no children because their ability to reproduce is affected by their vertical braces restricting their movements (reproduction methods).
What is the scientific term for warm blooded animals?
Homeotherm - Can regulate body temperature
Think of a domestic cat that's lost its fur having to turn up its built-in thermostat to stay warm at home. You could call it a home-meow-therm (homeotherm).
What is the scientific term for cold blooded animals?
Poikilotherm - Can not regulate body temperature
Imagine that a snake murdered someone in cold blood by biting and poisoning them. At the snake's trial, the judge hands down a poison killer term (poikilotherm) of 35 years – and the snake wonders how it will manage to stay warm for so long in a cold cell.
Animals that give birth to live young are called?
Viviparous
Vive la Paris (viviparous)! This Paris maternity hospital specialises in live births.
Animals that lay eggs are called?
Oviparous
Imagine birds laying eggs over Paris (oviparous).
