Vertebrates are classified into four major groups based on morphology: cyclostomes (jawless fishes), chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes), teleostomes (bony fishes), and tetrapods. Cyclostomes include lampreys and hagfishes; they have no lateral fins, swim using body undulations. The chondrichthyes include sharks, rays, and chimaeras. The teleostome, or osteichthyian, fishes are often divided into ray-finned fishes and lobe-finned fishes. Tetrapods include all limbed vertebrates and include amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style