What is Vertebrates ?
Vertebrates are animals that have vertebral columns, and include the following classes:
Agnatha - jawless fishes (ex. lampreys)
Chrondirichthyes - cartilaginous fishes (ex. sharks)
Osteichthyes - bony fishes
Mammalia - mammals (ex. dogs)
Aves - birds
Reptilia - reptiles (ex. snakes)
Amphibia - amphibians (ex. frogs)
The class which humans belong to is Mammalia. Mammals are characterized by being warm-blooded, having hair on their bodies, and having milk-producing mammary glands used to nurse their young. Mammals range in size from mice to whales, and are found in a variety of environments. Pictured below is an example of a mammal.