noun
- animals that have a backbone or spinal column
Usage: biology
Examples
- Fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians are all vertebrates.
- Vertebrates have more complex nervous systems than invertebrates.
- The museum’s vertebrate collection includes fossils of ancient dinosaurs.
- Scientists study vertebrates to understand evolutionary development.
- All vertebrates share the common feature of having a spinal cord.
- The vertebrate skeleton provides structural support for the body.