Craniata facts for kids
Craniata (say: KRAY-nee-AH-tuh) are a special group of animals. They are all part of the chordate family. What makes them unique? Every animal in the Craniata group has a skull, also called a cranium. This bony or cartilaginous case protects their brain.
Quick facts for kids CraniataTemporal range: Early Cambrian - Recent
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| Pacific hagfish resting on bottom down off Oregon coast. | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Craniata
Janvier 1981
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| Subphyla | |
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Cephalaspidomorphi (disputed) |
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Contents
Animals with a Skull
The name "Craniata" comes from the word "cranium." A cranium is another name for a skull. This means all animals in this group have a skull. The skull is a very important part of the body. It protects the brain and helps form the face.
Craniata are a very diverse group. They include many different kinds of animals. From fish to birds and mammals, they all share this common feature.
Who Belongs to Craniata?
The Craniata group includes two main types of animals. These are the vertebrates and the hagfish. Both of these groups have a skull.
Vertebrates: Animals with Backbones
Most of the animals you know are vertebrates. This group includes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Vertebrates are special because they have a backbone. This backbone is made of many small bones called vertebra. The backbone helps support the body. It also protects the spinal cord.
Hagfish: Ancient Skull-Bearers
Hagfish are a very old type of fish. They are also part of the Craniata group. However, hagfish are a bit different from other vertebrates. They do not have a true backbone made of vertebrae. Instead, they have a simple rod-like structure. But, they definitely have a skull! This skull is made of cartilage, which is a softer material than bone.
Hagfish are often called "slime eels." They live in the ocean. They are known for producing a lot of sticky slime when they feel threatened.
Images for kids
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Craniata, including this extinct fish (Dunkleosteus sp.), are characterized by the presence of a cranium, mandible, and other facial bones.
See also
In Spanish: Craniata para niños
