Chordate of the three subdivisions of chordates, all have distinct skulls. They include the hagfish, which have no vertebrae. Michael J. Benton commented that "craniates are characterized by their heads, just as chordates, or possibly all deuterostomes, are by their tails". Most craniates are vertebrates, in which the notochord is replaced by the vertebral column. These consist of a series of bony or cartilaginous cylindrical vertebrae, generally with neural arches that protect the spinal cord, and with projections that link the vertebrae. However hagfish have incomplete braincases and no vertebrae, and are therefore not regarded as vertebrates, but as members of
Fate of the Animals which figuratively translates to animal destinies. Paul Klee is also known for suggesting an alternate title: "The trees show their rings, the animals their veins." This is from the evident tree rings present as well as the green horse on the right whose veins are visible on its body. On the back of the canvas is believed to be the subtitle of the painting, which translates to "And all being is flaming suffering." "Fate of the Animals"'s title derives from the chaotic scene depicted. There are animals scattered throughout the canvas in what is referred to as a post apocalyptic