Animal Classification

Vertebrates and Animal Groups

Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone. All vertebrates are either cold-blooded or warm-blooded.

Mammals

Mammals are animals that feed their babies with milk from the mother's body. Only birds and mammals are warm-blooded. Warm-blooded animals are able to control their body temperature, so their internal body temperature remains the same no matter what the temperature is outside.

Amphibians and Reptiles

Amphibians are animals that live in water and on land. The study of amphibians and reptiles is called herpetology. Fish, amphibians, and reptiles are examples of cold-blooded animals.

Birds and Fish

The study of birds is called ornithology, and scientists who study birds are called ornithologists. Birds rely upon their feathers to help adapt to temperature changes. The study of fish is called ichthyology.

Scientists Who Study Living Things

Scientists who study living things are called biologists. The study of plants is called botany, and scientists who study plants are called botanists. The study of animals is called zoology, and scientists who study zoology are called zoologists.