Biology4Kids.com Home Page Scientific Methods Cell Structure Cell Function Microbes Plants Animals Biology Activities Biology4Kids Sections Search
Slideshow
 

Aquatic Origins - Vertebrates Slideshow


Vertebrate life began in the oceans

The vertebrate story begins in the oceans over 500 million years ago. Although the period was called the Cambrian explosion, there was no "Poof!" and the vertebrates appeared. They were originally very simple creatures that eventually developed into fish.

Even the fish you know today weren't around. The first fish and aquatic vertebrates have been extinct for millions of years. All of the vertebrates of today are ancestors of those humble beginnings.

What made vertebrates different from other animal groups? The vertebrae (backbones) are the easy answer. Vertebrates also have complex nervous systems, skulls to protect the brain, paired muscles, and endoskeletons. There are very advanced animals in the invertebrate groups, but there was something special about the vertebrate subphylum.

Image Credit: Andrew Rader Studios


 
- Home Page
- Taxonomy Ex.
> Activities
- Site Map
- Site Tour
- Help Topics


Link to Cosmos4Kids.com Link to Biology4Kids.com Link to Chem4Kids.com Link to Geography4Kids.com Link to Physics4Kids.com Link to NumberNut.com Rader Network Side Navigation
 
RELATED LINKS
- Biology4Kids: Kingdoms
- Biology4Kids: Species
- Biology4Kids: Microbes
- Biology4Kids: Plants
- Biology4Kids: Invertebrates
- Biology4Kids: Vertebrates

  RETURN TO TOP
or
Search for more information...

* The custom search only looks at Rader's sites.
 

Help Page Go for site help or a list of life science topics at the site map!
©copyright 1997-2014 Andrew Rader Studios, All rights reserved.
Current Page: Biology4Kids.com | Activities and Slideshows | Vertebrates



** Andrew Rader Studios does not monitor or review the content available at external web sites. They are paid advertisements and neither partners nor recommended web sites. Specific links for books on Amazon.com are only suggested starting points for further research. Please browse, research options, and choose the appropriate materials for your needs.