Vertebrates have a backbone and make up most of the Chordata phylum. They evolved for structural support and a nervous system superhighway. Fish were the first to evolve limbs and walk on land, followed by amphibians and reptiles. Vertebrates are effective for animals longer than a few cm and make up the largest animals on […]
Basal vertebrates are the oldest and earliest vertebrates, including stem-group vertebrates. The evolution of basal vertebrates is still a mystery, but some possible theories exist. Tunicates are the closest living relatives of vertebrates, but not true vertebrates. Basal vertebrates quickly became a successful group, dominating the seas and leading to the evolution of large and […]
