A crocodile is a vertebrate.
Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone or spinal column, while invertebrates are animals that lack this structure. Crocodiles belong to the class Reptilia, which includes animals with a spine. This backbone is part of their skeletal system, helping to protect their spinal cord and allowing for more advanced movement compared to invertebrates. In fact, crocodiles are part of a larger group called the chordates, which also includes mammals, birds, amphibians, and fish, all of which have vertebral columns. Understanding this classification helps us appreciate the biological and evolutionary significance of crocodiles in the animal kingdom.