The vertebrate form is an essential feature for many mammals, including humans. The vertebrate form refers to the spine, the skull, bilateral symmetrical structures, and two pairs of appendages. Mammals without backbones are called invertebrates. Jellyfish, snail, shrimp, clams, and butterflies are all examples of invertebrates.
- Vertebrates must have a spine
- Vertebrates must have a well-developed brain
- A vertebrates brain must be enclosed in a skull
- A vertebrate has paired limbs (2 arms, 2 legs, etc)
- A vertebrate has a general body plan that consists of the head, body, trunk, and appendages
Vertebrates also tend to have more complex internal organ systems and more complex nervous systems.
Some advantages of these features could be being a vertebrate helps us to have larger bodies. Most of the lifeforms on earth are invertebrates, but you cannot see them. That is because these life forms can not handle large sizes. Insects and worms make up a large portion of the Earth’s invertebrates.
However, being a vertebra enables lifeforms to be larger. Another advantage that vertebrates have is that our bodies can continue to grow, and we do not have to molt.
Vertebrates also can live in a variety of environments. Fish live in oceans, birds can fly, and mammals can live in many different environments on the earth. These are all possible due to them being vertebrates.
The vertebrate form is essential because it allows these lifeforms to have these advantages over invertebrates. The vertebrate form provides several advantages over invertebrates, and this has allowed them to dominate the earth. The vertebrate form is what allows us to have the bodies that we have and the ability to live our lives. It allows us to move in the way we move and process information and get our limbs to respond to that information. The vertebrate form allows us to have a complex organ system, where each organ can complete a unique task. In conclusion, the vertebrate form is what has helped vertebrae dominate the earth, even if invertebrates can outnumber us.
The Study of Form: A Quick History
The form of living things is so complex and fascinating that there is an entire biology study dedicated to it. This study of form is called Morphology. According to Webster, Morphology is, “the branch of biology that deals with the form of living organisms, and with relationships between their structures.” In The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin wrote, “Morphology … . is one of the most interesting departments of natural history, and may almost be said to be its very soul.” Morphologists may study plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, and other living organisms, depending on their area of interest. Understanding where we came from, how our bodies work, how the environment around us functions, this is all crucial to life. Understanding how different beings adapt to their environment for survival and reproduction is an important aspect of Morphology and one that is ever-changing as new species are identified.
