Vertebrates, Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles and Birds

Science

An air-filled space that moves air through a bird’s lungs

Air sac

An air-filled space that moves air through a birds lungs. Air sac. An air sac is part of a bird's respiratory system that helps move air efficiently through their lungs for breathing.

An egg with a shell and membrane to protect the embryo, like an egg laid by birds, reptiles, and mammals

Amniotic egg

An egg with a shell and membrane to protect the embryo, like an egg laid by birds, reptiles, and mammals. Amniotic egg. An amniotic egg is a type of egg where the embryo develops inside a protective membrane and shell, allowing it to survive on land.

The shell of a turtle or tortoise, or the plate that covers the head of a crustacean

Carapace

The shell of a turtle or tortoise, or the plate that covers the head of a crustacean. Carapace. A carapace is a protective shell on the back of some animals, like turtles and crustaceans, which helps shield them from predators and environmental hazards.

A strong, flexible connective tissue found in skeletons

Cartilage

A strong, flexible connective tissue found in skeletons. Cartilage is a soft, rubbery material in our bodies that helps cushion bones and allows them to move smoothly.

An animal whose body temperature depends on its environment

Ectotherm

An animal whose body temperature depends on its environment. Ectotherm. An ectotherm is an animal that relies on external environmental conditions to regulate its body temperature.

An internal skeleton, it is made of bone and/or cartilage

Endoskeleton

An internal skeleton, it is made of bone andor cartilage. Endoskeleton. An endoskeleton is the support structure inside an animal's body, helping to shape and protect it.

An animal that can generate heat to maintain a constant internal temperature

Endotherm

An animal that can generate heat to maintain a constant internal temperature. Endotherm. An endotherm is an animal that keeps its body warm by producing its own heat.

A structure on a bird’s skin that enables flight and gives it insulation

Feather

A structure on a birds skin that enables flight and gives it insulation. Feather. Feathers are specialized structures made of keratin that help birds fly and stay warm.

The breathing organ of aquatic animals

Gill

The breathing organ of aquatic animals gill. Gills allow fish and other aquatic creatures to extract oxygen from water so they can breathe.

In snakes, a saclike organ in the mouth that detects smells

Jacobsons organ

In snakes, a saclike organ in the mouth that detects smells. Jacobson's organ. It is an organ that helps animals sense and interpret smells from their environment.

The sensory receptors that fish use to detect movement and vibrations in the water

Lateral line system

The sensory receptors that fish use to detect movement and vibrations in the water lateral line system. The lateral line system is a network of canals and sensory cells in fish and some amphibians that helps them sense movements and vibrations in the surrounding water.

The hard flap that covers and protects a fish’s gills

Operculum

The hard flap that covers and protects a fishs gills. Operculum. It is a bony plate that shields the delicate gills from harm and helps fish breathe by opening and closing.

A species whose eggs develop outside the parent’s body

Oviparous

A species whose eggs develop outside the parents body. Oviparous. Oviparous animals lay eggs that hatch outside the mother's body.

A species whose eggs develop inside the parent’s body

Ovoviviparous

A species whose eggs develop inside the parent's body. Ovoviviparous. In ovoviviparous animals, the young hatch from eggs inside the mother and are then born live.

The bottom or ventral part of a turtle’s shell

Plastron

The bottom or ventral part of a turtles shell is called the plastron. In simple terms, the plastron is the flat underside of a turtle's shell that helps protect its belly.

The breastbone in birds, flight muscles are attached to it

Sternum

The breastbone in birds, flight muscles are attached to it. Sternum. The sternum is a flat bone located in the center of the chest, connecting the rib cage and helping protect the heart and lungs.

A gas-filled sac in bony fishes that helps them to control their swim depth

Swim bladder

A gas-filled sac in bony fishes that helps them to control their swim depth. Swim bladder. The swim bladder is an internal organ that acts like a floatation device, allowing fish to maintain or change their position in the water without effort.

An animal with four limbs

Tetrapod

An animal with four limbs. Tetrapod. A tetrapod is a type of vertebrate animal that has four limbs or leg-like appendages.

The eardrum, a thin layer of skin between the outer and middle ear

Tympanic membrane

The eardrum, a thin layer of skin between the outer and middle ear. Tympanic membrane. It is a vital part of the ear that helps us hear by vibrating when sound waves hit it.

Vertebrate explained in an easy to understand way.

Reproductive strategy where the embryo develops within the mother's body

Viviparous

Reproductive strategy where the embryo develops within the mother's body. Viviparous. Viviparous animals give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.