# Describe four features that can be used to identify an organism as a vertebrate rather than an arthropod.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 1.3 Features of organisms · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Vertebrates have a backbone / internal skeleton, whereas arthropods do not
2. Vertebrates do not have an exoskeleton / hard external skeleton / cuticle (arthropods do)
3. Vertebrates do not have a segmented body in the arthropod sense / arthropods have a clearly segmented body with jointed limbs
4. Vertebrates have an internal skeleton made of bone or cartilage / arthropods are invertebrates (lack a backbone)

## Key terms

- [vertebrate](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/vertebrate)
- [arthropod](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/arthropod)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-four-features-that-can-be-42bb457a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.