Higher vertebrates are characterized by:
- a well-developed endoskeleton that includes a backbone, skull, and limbs
- a closed circulatory system with a heart that pumps blood through vessels
- a brain and spinal cord that coordinate movement and behavior
- paired appendages, such as legs or fins, that allow for locomotion
- well-developed sense organs, such as eyes, ears, and nostrils, that allow them to perceive their environment
- a digestive system that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients
- an excretory system that removes waste products from the body
- a reproductive system that produces offspring
There are over 30,000 known species of higher vertebrates and play a critical role in the planet's ecosystems. They are some of the most recognizable and ecologically important organisms on Earth and represent a significant milestone in the diversification and complexity of life forms.