Phylum Chordate, Subphylum Vertebrata

Notochord

a cartilaginous skeletal rod supporting the body in all embryonic and some adult chordate animals.

Vertebrae

Organisms with a spinal chord

Ectotherm

an animal that is dependent on external sources of body heat. (cold-blooded)

Endotherm

(of an animal) dependent on or capable of the internal generation of heat. (warm-blooded)

Endoskeleton

An internal skeleton

Exoskeleton

A body covering, typically made of chitin, that provides support and protection

Swim bladder

An internal gas-filled organ that helps a bony fish stabilize its body at different water depths.

Placenta

A structure that allows an embryo to be nourished with the mother's blood supply

Marsupial

A mammal, such as a koala, kangaroo, or opossum, whose young complete their embryonic development inside a maternal pouch called the marsupium.

Monotreme

A mammal that lays eggs

Archaeopteryx

An intermediate fossil that shows both reptile and bird characteristics.

Diaphragm

A large muscle located at the bottom of a mammal's rib cage that functions in breathing

Alveoli

(singular alveolus.) Tiny sacs, with walls only a single cell layer thick found at the end of the respiratory bronchiole tree. Alveoli are the site of gas exchange in the respiratory system.