Vertebrates are a sub-phylum within Chordata that possess a vertebral column (backbone).
In humans, it is reduced to gelatinous disks between the vertebrae.
The tail contains muscles, and provides the propelling force in many aquatic species.
The cranium is derived from ectodermal cells called the neural crest.
The fins are adapted for maneuvering, defense, and other functions.
Tetrapods are terrestrial vertebrates with four legs.
A great diversity of tetrapods emerged during the Devonian and Carboniferous periods.
This species is sold in pet shops, but not native to northern Illinois.
They also show some parental care by guarding the nest and defending their young.
Mammals possess hair (or fur) and produce milk from mammary glands.
Many marsupials in Australia resemble eutherians elsewhere that occupy similar ecological niches due to convergent evolution.
Exercise: Human evolution
Its name means "handy man". The brain size was relatively small.
This 1.7-million-year-old fossil from Kenya belongs to a young male.
It was the first hominin to leave Africa.
There may have been limited gene flow between Neanderthals and H. sapiens before the former became extinct.
The engravings on this 77,000-year-old piece of ochre are among the earliest signs of symbolic thought in humans.
Are birds capable of symbolic thought?
Alex the talking parrot Betty the crow