Basic Details
Word: Vertebrate
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An animal that has a backbone or spine.
Synonyms: Backboned animal, spinal animal
Antonyms: Invertebrate
Idioms and Phrases
- Get your vertebrates in a row: To get organised and ready for an upcoming task. Example: "Before the science fair, we need to get our vertebrates in a row and prepare our presentations."
- As different as vertebrates and invertebrates: Used to show that two things are very different from each other. Example: "The two animals were as different as vertebrates and invertebrates; one had a backbone, while the other did not."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish are all examples of vertebrates.
Example 2: In science class, we learned how vertebrates adapt to their environments in various ways.
Example 3: The vertebrate skeleton provides support and protects vital organs, making it essential for survival.
Fun Fact
Did you know that vertebrates make up about 4% of all known animal species, but they include some of the largest and most well-known animals, like elephants and blue whales?
Famous Quote
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir (This quote highlights the importance of all creatures, including vertebrates, in our ecosystem.)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "vertebrate" mean?
a) An animal that has no backbone
b) An animal that has a backbone
c) A type of plant
d) A kind of insect
Answer: b) An animal that has a backbone
2. Which of these is a synonym of "vertebrate"?
a) Invertebrate
b) Backboned animal
c) Bird
d) Insect
Answer: b) Backboned animal
3. What is the antonym of "vertebrate"?
a) Invertebrate
b) Fish
c) Bird
d) Mammal
Answer: a) Invertebrate
4. Which sentence uses "vertebrate" correctly?
a) The vertebrate jumped over the river.
b) The vertebrate has a strong backbone to support its body.
c) A vertebrate is a kind of tree.
d) The vertebrate sings beautifully in the morning.
Answer: b) The vertebrate has a strong backbone to support its body.
5. Which idiom refers to getting organised?
a) As busy as a bee
b) As different as vertebrates and invertebrates
c) Get your vertebrates in a row
d) The early bird catches the worm
Answer: c) Get your vertebrates in a row
