Vertebrates are divided into five classes: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Birds are distinguished by their feathers, toothless beaked jaws, egg-laying, and high metabolism. The platypus is a venomous mammal that has a duck-like bill and webbed feet, beaver-like tail, and otter-like body and fur, making it a hodgepodge of other animal features.

2. 1.5 Classifying Animals

4. Phylum Vertebrates
Vertebrates are animals with backbones. They are divided into 5 groups
called classes: Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals.

6. Class Fish

8. Notes
● Periophthalmus barbarus - mudskippers in The
Gambia
● Sharks practice internal fertilisation.

15. Class Birds, also known as Aves, are a group of
endothermic vertebrates, characterised by feathers, toothless
beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high
metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet
lightweight skeleton

18. COMMON NAME: Platypus
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ornithorhynchus anatinus
TYPE: Mammals
DIET: Carnivores
SIZE: Head and body, 15 in; tail, 5 in
WEIGHT: 3 lbs

19. The platypus is among nature's most unlikely animals.
In fact, the first scientists to examine a specimen believed they were the victims of a
hoax.
The animal is best described as a hodgepodge of more familiar species: the duck
(bill and webbed feet), beaver (tail), and otter (body and fur). Males are also
venomous. They have sharp stingers on the heels of their rear feet and can use
them to deliver a strong toxic blow to any foe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNoQvjlmGdk
BBC The life of Mammals – David Attenborough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lCKc8tURtc&list=PLD941E65FBD70DB46