Vertebrates are animals that have backbones, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. They are characterized by having a backbone, muscular system, central nervous system, and endoskeleton. Invertebrates make up 97% of animal species but do not have backbones, instead using specialized cells to move. Examples of invertebrates include sponges, jellyfish, worms, insects, starfish, and snails.