Wyoming Pesticide Applicator Certification Practice Test

How is a vertebrate characterized?

1. By the presence of chlorophyll

2. Having feathers

3. Having a segmented backbone or spinal column

4. Being cold-blooded

The correct answer is: Having a segmented backbone or spinal column

Vertebrates are animals that are characterized by the presence of a segmented backbone or spinal column. This includes animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Option A is incorrect because the presence of chlorophyll is typically found in plants, not vertebrates. Option B is incorrect because feathers are only found in birds and a few other specific animals, and not all vertebrates have feathers. Option D is incorrect because vertebrates can actually have varying body temperatures and are not specifically defined as cold-blooded. Therefore, the most distinguishing characteristic of vertebrates is their segmented backbone or spinal column.