Glossary

vertebrate

An organism possessing a backbone or spinal column.

Used in 48 species profiles

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Related terms

amphibian
A class of cold-blooded vertebrates, generally requiring water for reproduction.
biological species concept
Most popular concept of species in vertebrate zoology. Defines species as members of populations that do or potentially could interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature, regardless of appearance, therefore somewhat more restrictive than the phylogenetic species concept. In theory species are thus separated from one another by some form of reproductive isolation, though in practice this does not always hold true. Often abbreviated to BSC.
epidermis
The outermost, protective, non-vascular layer of skin in vertebrates.
mandible
The lower jaw bone of a vertebrate organism.
Mesozoic (Era)
Interval of geological time covering the period from around 250 million years ago to 65 million years ago. Often referred to as the 'Age of Reptiles' because dinosaurs were the dominant terrestrial and marine vertebrates.
oesophagus
Muscular tube through which food passes from mouth to stomach in vertebrates; the gullet. Also spelled 'esophagus'.
ossicle
Small bone, especially any of the three small bones in the inner ear of vertebrates.
parasphenoid
Elongate bone located in the base of the skull in many vertebrate organisms.
pectoral girdle
Bony or cartilaginous structure supporting the forelimbs or anterior fins in vertebrates.
pectoral-fin
Anterior, paired fin attached to the pectoral girdle of fishes, usually just behind the opercle and corresponding to the forelimbs of higher vertebrates. Assists in controlling direction of movement and swimming speed. Frequently abbreviated to 'P' or 'P1' in scientific papers.
pelvic fin
Either of the pair of fins, also known as pelvic fins, attached to the pelvic girdle in fishes that help control the direction of movement. Correspond to the hind legs in higher vertebrates and vary in position depending on taxon. Sometimes absent entirely.
placoid scale
Tooth-shaped scale-type found in certain fishes, e.g., sharks, rays. Structurally homologous with vertebrate teeth.
skeleton
In vertebrates, the internal structure composed of bone and/or cartilage that supports the soft tissues and protects the internal organs.
skin
In vertebrates, the thin, membranous layer of external tissue forming the protective covering of the body.
species
Taxonomic rank into which a genus is divided, but otherwise difficult to delineate precisely with a single definition satisfying all eventualities still lacking to date. There exist a number of concepts of which the most popular in vertebrate taxonomy include the biological species concept and phylogenetic species concept.
spine
See fin spine; also a hard, pointed, protective outgrowth or process elsewhere on the body, e.g., a preopercular spine; the spinal column of a vertebrate.
ventral-fin
Either of the pair of fins, also known as pelvic fins, attached to the pelvic girdle in fishes that help control the direction of movement. Correspond to the hind legs in higher vertebrates and vary in position depending on taxon. Sometimes absent entirely.
villus
In biology, a minute, hairlike process present on certain membranes, such as the mucous membrane in the small intestine of many vertebrates. Typically has a sensory or absorptive function.
vomer
Thin, anterior, flattened bone dividing the nostrils in most vertebrates. Sometimes bears teeth.

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