IGCSE Biology glossary
Vertebrate
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
An animal that has a backbone (vertebral column). The five classes of vertebrates are fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, distinguished by features such as skin covering, reproduction method and thermoregulation.
What to include in an exam answer
Know the key identifying feature of each class: fish have scales and gills; amphibians have moist permeable skin; reptiles have dry scaly skin; birds have feathers; mammals have fur/hair and produce milk.
Example in context
State two features that distinguish mammals from reptiles (2 marks): Mammals have hair/fur (not scales) and feed their young on milk from mammary glands.
Related syllabus topic
Characteristics & classification of living organisms