Classification of vertebrates

This is just an outline classification of vertebrates, mainly including those mentioned in the sections on embryology and homology.

Agnatha (jawless fish) or Cyclostomes (having a circular mouth)

Myxini e.g. hagfish (considered by some not to be a vertebrate)

Hyperoartia e.g. lamprey

Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish)

Elasmobranchii e.g. sharks and rays

Osteichthyes (bony fish)

Actinopterygii (ray-finned)

Teleostei (this group contains the vast majority of fish)

Chondrostei (sturgeon, paddlefish)

Cladistia (bichirs, reedfish)

Holostei (bowfins, gars)

Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned)

Dipnoi e.g. lungfish

Actinistia e.g. coelacanths

Amphibia

Anurans (without a tail) e.g. frogs

Urodela (with a tail) e.g. salamander

Gymnophiona (without legs) e.g. caecilians

Reptilia

Squamata e.g. lizards and snakes

Crocodilia

Testudines (turtles and tortoises)

Sphenodontia (tuataras)

Aves (birds)

Mammalia

Eutheria (placentals, most mammals)

Primates (includes humans)

Metatheria (marsupials)

Prototheria (monotremes) e.g. platypus

---

Page created October 2020.