Final answer:
Humans are classified within the subphylum Vertebrata, which includes all animals that have a backbone. Beyond having a backbone, vertebrates like humans also possess hair, mammary glands, advanced vision, opposable thumbs, and a large brain for higher intelligence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humans belong to the subphylum Vertebrata, which is one of the three major subphyla within the phylum Chordata. Members of the subphylum Vertebrata are distinguished by the presence of a backbone. In addition to a backbone, the vertebrates have other key features such as a high degree of internal organization, a closed circulatory system, and an endoskeleton made of bone or cartilage. All other chordates lack a backbone, distinguishing them from the vertebrates. Humans specifically are classified within the class Mammalia, which is characterized by the presence of hair and mammary glands used to feed their young. Furthermore, humans are part of the order Primates, featuring characteristics such as five digits on each hand and foot with opposable thumbs, advanced vision, and a large brain relative to body size, facilitating high intelligence and complex social behaviors.