How did vertebrates evolve? When scientists describe the evolution of vertebrates, they most often frame it as a transition from water to land. Once on earth, vertebrates are described as evolving to occupy different habitats and live very active lifestyles. What are some of the adaptations that made these transitions possible? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayJaws: The first vertebrates in the history of evolution are fish. The first fish had no jaws: they sucked and scraped the flesh of their prey instead of biting it. These fish include hagfish and lampreys. Later-born fish, including sharks and bony fish, have jaws. Jaws are a much more efficient and effective way to capture, feed and swallow prey. Lungs and Limbs: For vertebrates to be successful on land, they had to be able to breathe and move. These adaptations are observed for the first time in a primitive group of fish, of which there is a living example: the lungfish. Although they absorb oxygen mainly through their gills, they also have lungs. Their fleshy fins are supported by bones and they can walk around their habitat. Amphibians are thought to have evolved from fish like this. As the name suggests – “amphibian” comes from the Greek word “amphibian,” meaning “double life” – amphibian adaptations actually reflect mixed habitats. Waterproof Skin and Eggs: Living exclusively on land requires the ability to avoid water loss. Later adaptations in vertebrate evolution included skin serving as a waterproof barrier. Evolving from amphibians, reptiles are the first vertebrate group to show this adaptation. Reptiles also have what is called an amniotic egg. Amniote eggs contain their own water supply and are surrounded by a leathery or hard shell. Even birds, which are known to have evolved from reptiles, have amniote eggs. Their feathers are actually modified scales. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Endothermy: Birds and mammals have an adaptation known as endothermy (endo = internal; therm = temperature). This is what we typically call “warm-blooded.” This occurs because body temperature is regulated internally using the heat provided by burning food as fuel. Endothermy allows a certain degree of independence from environmental conditions. With this adaptation, birds and mammals have further evolved to have different ways of feeding themselves, avoiding predators, finding suitable habitats and reproducing. In the video, Dr. Douglas Zook noted an important idea. People often think of vertebrate evolution as a “ladder,” where earlier forms are replaced and improved by more modern forms. This is not how the evolution of vertebrates occurred. From common ancestors, each group has branched into its own successful lineages. The most primitive living fish is as successful in an evolutionary sense as the most recently evolved mammal: the human being.