The type of animal that has a backbone is called a vertebrate. Vertebrates belong to the subphylum Vertebrata and include animals such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The backbone or vertebral column provides structural support, protecting the spinal cord and enabling greater mobility and complexity in movement compared to invertebrates. Vertebrates exhibit distinct characteristics, including advanced organ systems, and play crucial roles in various ecosystems. Their evolutionary advancements allow them to occupy diverse ecological niches.