Here's a breakdown:
* Vertebrates belong to the phylum Chordata, which means they have a notochord at some point in their development.
* The notochord is a flexible rod that provides support. In vertebrates, the notochord is replaced by a backbone (also called a spinal column or vertebral column).
* The backbone is made up of individual bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, creating a segmented structure that provides flexibility and support.
Examples of vertebrates include:
* Fish
* Amphibians
* Reptiles
* Birds
* Mammals