The course aims to provide the student with a representative picture of the main morpho-functional and eco-ethological characteristics of the various vertebrate classes, paying particular attention to the phylogenetic relationships and adaptive strategies of the various taxa. Within the course, basal chordate groups will also be briefly discussed in order to allow the student to properly frame the diversity of vertebrates within the phylum they belong to. Students will be able to deepen some topics of the course through seminars held by external experts or prepared by themselves.