Vertebrates | List of Vertebrate Animals With Description

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Vertebrate Animals: Various types of animals surround us, and a significant classification that can be done between them is based on vertebrate animals and invertebrate animals. This article talks about various vertebrate animals and how it differs from invertebrate animals. We will also look into the five groups of vertebrate animals along with their examples. First, let us understand what vertebrate animals are?

Vertebrates are animals with a backbone. The backbone, also known as the spinal column, comprises vertebrae, which protect the spinal nerve, hence the term vertebrates for animals with a spine. Vertebrates have skeletons that give their bodies shape and structure and support their muscles and organs. They have a fully developed brain, heart, eyes, and mouth as well.

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Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish are the five major categories of vertebrates. These are all animals with a strong backbone. There are around 28,000 different fish species in the world, making it the largest group of vertebrates out of the five categories, compared to only 6,495 species of mammals.

Here is a list of vertebrate animals that you can go through to increase your knowledge about them.

List of Vertebrate Animals

Names of the Vertebrate Animals

List of Vertebrate Animals

Description of the Vertebrate Animals

Alligator

Alligators belong to the same family as other giant reptiles, such as crocodiles. Alligators are smaller than Crocodiles, but they can move at speeds of up to 15mph on land, making them one of the fastest giant reptiles.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Crocodilia
Family Alligatoridae
Genus Alligator
Scientific Name Alligator mississippiensis

Anglerfish

The anglerfish is a deep-sea predator found at depths of more than 6,000 feet when sunlight is nearly non-existent. This sea creature is well-known for its unusual look, sharp fangs, and bioluminescent lure that extends from the top of the head.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Lophiiformes
Scientific Name Lophiiformes

Bear

Their fur-covered bodies and powerful claws distinguish bears. Bears have keen senses of smell, hearing, and sight. They frequently hear and smell humans before seeing them and flee as a result.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Ursidae
Genus Ursus
Scientific Name Ursidae

Bearded dragon

Bearded dragons are native to Australia’s central and southern regions. They are omnivores with a life expectancy of 15 years or more. This species communicates its feelings to other animals by growing a beard of spines under its chin.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Agamidae
Genus Pogona
Scientific Name Pogona vitticeps

vertebrate 1

Budgerigar

Budgerigars, sometimes known as budgies, are small, colourful Australian birds. These creatures’ adult males and females typically have green and yellow colours on their chests and backs.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae
Genus Melopsittacus
Scientific Name Melopsittacus undulatus

Caiman

Caimans have broad, somewhat flattened bodies and a long, vertically flattened, muscular tail that propels them through the water with incredible force. Their eyes and nostrils are placed on the top of their snout and head, which allows them to breathe and see when underwater.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Crocodilia
Family Alligatoridae
Genus Caimaninae
Scientific Name Caiman crocodilus, Melanosuchus niger, Caiman yacare, Paleosuchus palpebrosus, Paleosuchus trigonatus, Caiman latirostris

Camel

The camel is one of the most peculiar mammals globally, having evolved brilliantly to life in the desert, where food and water are frequently sparse. The temperature fluctuates fast, from scorching hot days to colder nights.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Chordata
Order Artiodactyla
Family Camelidae
Genus Camelus
Scientific Name Camelus dromedarius

Cat

Cats, which are members of the Felidae family, are among the smallest carnivores that humans preserve. Their retractable claws are extremely valuable, allowing them to keep their balance, seize prey, and defend themselves from predators.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Felidae
Genus Felis
Scientific Name Felis catus

vertebrate 2

Catfish

The catfish is always alert of its surroundings while feeding in the depths of a lake or river. This is thanks to large whiskers on its face and an extensive network of chemical receptors all over its body. This incredible sensing apparatus on this species relays vital information about the composition of its surroundings.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Order Siluriformes
Scientific Name Siluriformes

Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees are giant primates with long, sparse black hairs covering their bodies except for their face, palms, and soles of their feet. Their hair not only keeps them warm in high-altitude places but also provides some sun protection for their skin.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Primates
Family Hominidae
Genus Pan
Scientific Name Pan troglodytes

Cobra

Cobras can be counted as some of the most venomous snakes that you can find. They generally measure from 12 to 18 feet long. Most of the cobras are carnivores eating other snakes, birds, and lizards.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Elapidae
Genus Ophiophagus
Scientific Name Ophiophagus Hannah

Common frog

The common frog is the most identifiable frog species on the earth, with its smooth, wet skin, long, sticky tongue, and lengthened hind legs. Although the species is not listed as endangered, its population is thought to be diminishing.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Amphibia
Order Anura
Family Ranidae
Genus Rana
Scientific Name Rana temporaria

vertebrate 3

Cow

Cows are a type of mammal that may be found all over the world. These gentle giants range in size from 700 pounds to the size of a vehicle, with some long sporting horns, humps on their backs, colourful patterns, or other unique features.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Artiodactyla
Family Bovidae
Genus Bos
Scientific Name Bos Taurus

Crane

Cranes are a group of tall, long-legged bird species. There are 15 different species of these birds globally, and they are usually brown, white, or gray. They are well-known for being very social birds that engage in elaborate dances to woo lifelong mates.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Gruiformes
Family Gruidae
Scientific Name Gruidae

Crocodile

Crocodiles are the most well-known and feared animals on the planet, and they are regarded as an apex predator. Their powerful body, strong jaws, incredible speed and agility, and unrivalled stealth have resulted in them becoming one of the world’s most apex predators in their natural settings.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Crocodilia
Family Crocodylidae
Genus Crocodylus
Scientific Name Crocodylus acutus

Deer

The deer is an animal that has spread over the world and evolved several adaptations to help it cope with the rigours of a harsh environment. Its regal antlers are among the most conspicuous features in the animal kingdom and are employed to protect sexual signalling.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Artiodactyla
Family Cervidae
Scientific Name Odocoileus virginiana

vertebrate 4

Dog

Dogs are the wolf’s domesticated descendants. Dogs have the most behavioural and physical variety of any terrestrial mammal, including wolves. Red blood cell acid phosphatase is electrophoresed on the starch gel in dogs. They also have tympanic bullae that are smaller, compressed, and folded.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Canidae
Genus Canis
Scientific Name Canis familiaris

Dolphins

Not all dolphins reside in the ocean. There are only a river dolphins left. They have been known to assist or protect humans, frequently by scaring sharks away. These animals demonstrate self-awareness by being able to recognise and feel individuality.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Cetacean
Family Delphinidae
Scientific Name Cetacea

Duck

Ducks are omnivores in nature, which means they eat plants, crustaceans, tiny seeds, fish, and insects. A duck is a waterfowl as they live around ponds, rivers, and lakes. Some of them reside in freshwater environments whereas others live in saltwater environments.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae
Scientific Name Anas

Eagle

Eagles, sometimes known as the “lord of all birds,” are enormous and robust birds of prey that appear to soar majestically in the air in quest of their next meal. Although it is not the nimblest flyer, its astonishing speed in the air belies its massive bulk compared to other birds.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Falconiformes
Family Accipitridae
Scientific Name Accipitridae

Eel

The conger eel is the most hazardous. Despite their snake-like look, these fish are genuinely fish. They are ray-finned fish of the Anguilliformes order that can swim backwards. Human overconsumption has resulted in the extinction of a few freshwater species.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Anguilliformes
Scientific Name Anguilliformes

Elephant

The elephant is the world’s largest land animal. These enormous titans exhibit a wide range of complicated behaviour that, in some ways, mirrors our own but, in others, is distinct and unique to them.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Proboscidea
Family Elephantidae
Scientific Name Loxodonta

Flamingo

Flamingos are omnivorous birds that eat brine shrimp, algae, and snails, among other things. They live in vast communities known as colonies. You can find these birds in tropical areas in Africa, Asia, and South America. This bird’s wingspan can reach 60 inches.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Phoenicopteriformes
Family Phoenicopteridae
Genus Phoenicopterus
Scientific Name Phoenicopterus roseus

Frogs

The frog is the most frequent and abundant of the three major amphibian orders — and the only one without a tail. Because frogs are vital to the environment, the recent trend of falling populations and anatomical deformities concerns the entire planetary ecosystem.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Amphibia
Order Anura
Scientific Name Anura

Giraffe

The Giraffe is a long-necked, hoofed mammal native to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it grazes in open woods. The Giraffe is the tallest living animal on land, yet despite its size, it is most closely related to the much smaller and lonely Okapi, which lives in the dense tropical forests.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Artiodactyla
Family Giraffidae
Genus Giraffa
Scientific Name Giraffa camelopardalis

Gorilla

The term “gorilla” really refers to four separate animal subspecies. They share around 98 percent of our DNA and are intelligent enough to understand sign language and use tools. Gorillas are not the savage, ferocious monsters shown in movies, and they may even be considered shy.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Primates
Family Hominidae
Genus Gorilla
Scientific Name Gorilla

Heron

The heron falls in the family of long-legged birds which can be found worldwide, feeding gracefully at the edge of the water with its sharp, pointed beak. It is very well adapted to its surroundings.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Ciconiiformes
Family Ardeidae
Scientific Name Ardeidae

Hippopotamus

The Hippopotamus is a big semi-aquatic animal that lives in rivers and lakes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its appearance, the Hippopotamus is most closely linked to Whales, as the two are thought to have had an ancestor.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Artiodactyla
Family Hippopotamidae
Genus Hippopotamus
Scientific Name Hippopotamus amphibius

Horse

Horses developed from little, many-toed animals to the majestic, single-toed equines we see today. Some wild horses have survived, but the majority are domestic animals employed by humans for various purposes. Throughout history and into the present period, the tamed horse has been used for transportation and battle.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Perissodactyla
Family Equidae
Genus Equus
Scientific Name Equus caballus

Hummingbird

The hummingbird is a little bird, measuring just 7.5 to 13 cm in length. Hummingbirds can fly backward because their wingspan is at least one-fourth of an inch longer than their whole length.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Apodiformes
Family Trochilidae
Genus Trochilinae
Scintific Name Trochilidae

Iguana

The term iguana is derived from the Taino word for these lizards, iwana. The green iguana is the most well known species, which is commonly kept as a pet. The majority of pet iguanas are inexpensive.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Iguanidae
Scientific Name Iguana

Kangaroo

The kangaroo is one of the most amazing leapers in the animal kingdom. When in action, the kangaroo leaps entirely off the ground, covering up to 30 feet in a single fast movement. No other massive animal of this size is capable of doing so.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Diprotodontia
Family Macropodidae
Scintific Name Macropodidae

Komodo dragon

The Komodo Dragon is a huge lizard that can only be found on a few islands in the Indonesian archipelago. The Komodo Dragon is not only the world’s most giant lizard but also one of the most aggressive and powerful, capable of devouring animals several times its size.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Varanidae
Genus Varanus
Scientific Name Varanus komodoensis

Leopard

The Leopard is a medium-sized wildcat that lives in a variety of environments. The Leopard, a member of the “Big Cat” family, is an agile and opportunistic hunter that can exploit environments neglected by other large felines because it spends a significant amount of time high in the tree branches.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Felidae
Genus Panthera
Scientific Name Panthera pardus

Lizards

Lizards are Squamata-order reptiles. There are around 7,000 unique lizard species in the globe, and the number is constantly increasing. While it may be considered that limbed lizards originated from limbless snakes, the contrary is accurate, and lizards are the snake family’s forefathers, not the other way around.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Lacertidae
Scientific Name Lacertilia

Lungfish

The contemporary lungfish is the descendant of a nearly 400 million-year-old lineage. This “living fossil” is sometimes referred to as primitive, although this does not imply that its features are undeveloped; instead, it has altered very little since it initially evolved.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Sarcopterygii
Order Dipnoi
Scientific Name Dipnoi

Lynx

Humans rarely see lynx because they are solitary and sneaky predators. The lynx is easily identified by its large furry paws, stubby tail, and long ear tufts. The massive paws act as natural snowshoes, assisting them in navigating the snowy, frigid forests and mountains that it calls home.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Felidae
Genus Lynx
Scientific Name Felis lynx

Mouse

The mouse is a tiny animal in the order Rodentia, with the standard house mouse being the most well-known species. These little mammals all have rounded ears, a pointed nose, a long tail, and a high breeding rate.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Rodentia
Family Muridae
Genus Mus
Scientific Name Mus musculus

Ostriches

The ostrich is one of the world’s largest bird species. The ostrich is a member of an uncommon group of flightless birds that are well-adapted to life on the ground. Years of hunting nearly drove them extinct, but populations have rebounded sufficiently that the ostrich now roams the African plains once more.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Struthioniformes
Family Struthionidae
Genus Struthio
Scientific Name Struthio camelus

Parrot

Parrots are birds that are kept as pets since antiquity and have a loud and colourful disposition. They are recognised for their humour, entertainment, and cleverness, but they also have a very affectionate demeanour. They are well-known for their ability to imitate a wide range of sounds, including human speech.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae
Scientific Name Psittaciformes

Penguin

Penguins are pne the most popular animals on the planet. They are among the most famous creatures globally due to their tuxedo coloration, beautiful waddle, and adorable faces.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Sphenisciformes
Family Spheniscidae
Scientific Name Aptenodytes Forsteri

Pool frog

The pool frog has a vast distribution across most of Europe. However, it appears to be declining in several areas of its previous range. Pollution and habitat degradation, to which these frogs seem to be particularly vulnerable, appear to be the culprits.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Amphibia
Order Anura
Family Ranidae
Genus Pelophylax
Scientific Name Pelophylax lessonae

Pufferfish

The pufferfish is a survivor that may be found in almost any tropical aquatic environment. From freshwater puffers to saltwater Takifugu, these fish adopt a variety of adaptations to avoid predators and humans alike.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Tetraodontiformes
Family Tetraodontidae
Scientific Name Tetraodontidae

Rabbit

Rabbits have been domesticated since the Roman era, and maybe even earlier. These herbivores primarily consume green things but are also opportunistic feeders, consuming seeds, fruit, and bark.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Lagomorpha
Family Leporidae
Genus Oryctolagus
Scientific Name Oryctolagus cuniculus

Rat

Rats can be found all over the world. They are nocturnal and hunt in groups. These omnivorous rodents eat insects, seeds, fruits, eggs, and small animals.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Rodentia
Family Muridae
Genus Rattus
Scientific Name Rattus rattus

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes are deadly snakes that have a rattle at the end of their tails. Rattlesnakes, which are pit viper members, employ their deadly venom to subdue their prey. This venom prevents blood coagulation and damages internal tissues, quickly killing animals of all types, including humans, without antivenom.

Kingdom Rattus rattus
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Viperidae
Genus Crotalus
Scientific Name Viperidae

Raven

Ravens are the most intellectual birds, with brains more significant than any other type of bird. They can solve complex problems and even notify other ravens about occurrences and items they cannot see right away.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Corvidae
Genus Corvus
Scientific Name Corvus corax

Rhinoceros

The rhinoceros was previously found from Southeast Asia to Africa. With its distinguishing horn and gigantic stature, the rhino is one of the most unusual animals on the planet. However, poaching for rhino horns is a significant concern to several rhino species today.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Perissodactyla
Family Rhinocerotidae
Scintific Name Rhinocerotidae

Robin

The robin is a common songbird and an essential part of the American ecology. Its rich and lovely melodies frequently herald the arrival of spring. The robin comes in a variety of species.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Muscicapidae
Scintific Name Turdus migratorius

Salmon

Salmon’s extraordinary sense of smell permits them to return to the same spawning sites year after year. It appears to remember the scent of the ground when it begins migrating to the ocean as a juvenile fish. Sockeye salmon can detect even variations in the planet’s magnetic field.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Salmoniformes
Family Salmonidae
Scientific Name Salmonidae

Seahorse

The seahorse has a horse-like head, a monkey-like tail, and a kangaroo-like pouch. The seahorse is a tiny family of vertebrate species found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Syngnathiformes
Family Syngnathidae
Genus Hippocampus
Scientific Name Hippocampus

Sharks

Sharks are distinguished by their cartilaginous skeleton. Sharks are members of the elasmobranch fish family. They also have five to seven-gill slits on the side of their heads. Their pectoral fins aren’t attached to their heads.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Chondrichthyes
Scientific Name Selachimorpha

Sheep

Sheep were one of the world’s first and most successful domesticated animals. It’s no surprise that sheep are among the most popular livestock animals, with their charming looks, kind demeanour, and unlimited amounts of fluffy white wool.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Artiodactyla
Family Bovidae
Genus Ovis
Scientific Name Ovis aries

Snakes

Snakes are a form of legless reptile with over 3,000 different species worldwide. They are easily identified by their elongated body, which seems to be ahead with a long tail. Their bodies are solid, but this strength serves several functions.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata

Tiger

Tigers are Asian creatures that can be found in both warm and cold climates. They are carnivores that hunt at night for prey. These large solitary cats have their area and are one of the world’s top predators.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Felidae
Genus Panthera
Scientific Name Panthera Tigris

Tortoise

Tortoises, often known as land turtles, are present on all continents except Antarctica and Australia. Tortoises vary significantly in size, colour, and other characteristics, with almost 50 species scattered across more than 15 genera. Many can only be found in the wild, but some are maintained as pets.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Testudines
Family Testudinidae
Scientific Name Testudinidae

Tuatara

Because of its lack of evolutionary change, scientists refer to the tuatara as a “living fossil.” The tuatara of New Zealand is one of the few unusual animals left in the world since its neither a lizard nor a dinosaur.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Sphenodontia
Family Sphenodontidae
Genus Sphenodon
Scientific Name Sphenodon punctatus

Tuna

The considerable tuna fish roams the world’s oceans, beloved by millions of people as a culinary delight for its rich, juicy taste. Its sleek, streamlined torpedo-shaped body makes it one of the world’s fastest fish and a formidable predator. The tuna fish is also an essential element of the world’s food supply, making it vulnerable to overfishing.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Scombriformes
Family Scombridae
Scientific Name Scombridae

Turtle

Turtles are a diverse group of animals that have been around for a long time. They can be found both on land and in the sea, but sea turtles are more numerous. Unfortunately, this implies that more sea turtles are on the verge of extinction.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Testudines
Scientific Name Testudines

Whales

Whales are a diversified and widely dispersed species of totally aquatic placental marine animals. Whales are aquatic, open-ocean mammals that can feed, mate, give birth, suckle, and raise their young in the water.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Artiodactyla
Scientific Name Cetacea

Wolves

Wolves are apex predators that move in packs and are critical to the survival of most ecosystems. Wolves are among the most well-known predators in the animal kingdom. They appear in songs, folklore, and even contemporary films.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Canidae
Genus Canis
Scientific Name Canis lupus

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