In addition to backbone they have skull and several other skeletal bones which form an endoskeleton. In comparison with invertebrates vertebrates have more developed organ systems. They have higher nervous system, which is divided into central and peripheral nervous system. The heart of different species of vertebrates consists of 2 - 4 parts. The body of vertebrates can be divided into ventral and spinal sides.
Vertebrates live in all kinds of environments.
The fishes live only in water. The amphibians mainly live on land but they need water for reproduction. The reptiles can be found in very different environments. Most birds are able to fly. Their nesting places are in forests, on coasts of various bodies of water, in open fields or in populated areas.