ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Marine vertebrate

Have you ever heard of a fish or a whale? Well, those are examples of marine vertebrates! Vertebrates are living creatures that have a backbone, that bony structure in our backs that helps us stand up straight.

Marine vertebrates are just like regular vertebrates, but they live in the water instead of on land. This means they have some special adaptations to help them survive in their aquatic environment.

For example, fish have special gills that allow them to breathe underwater instead of using lungs like we do. They also have fins that help them swim quickly and maneuver in the water. Whales are also marine vertebrates, but they are much bigger and have evolved to live exclusively in water. They have a blowhole on their head that allows them to breathe air at the surface before diving back down into the depths.

Overall, marine vertebrates come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny fish to massive whales. But they all have one thing in common: they have backbones and live in the water!
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