In this article, the authors present a project that gives students examples of basic skills that many vertebrate species develop as they grow and function in their ecosystem. These activities involve information gathering about surroundings, learning how to use objects, and tracking and searching skills. Different vertebrate species may acquire these skills quickly or slowly, or only acquire a few of the skills. However, it is of special interest to see what commonalities are demonstrated by different vertebrate groups. The class discussion which follows this exercise might be based on whether developing similar abilities is evidence of close "evolutionary" relationships between the different vertebrate groups, or rather points to "convergent evolution" (ecological pressures on early sensory, motor, and cognitive abilities in the species). Students enjoy this project because they are working with their pets as subjects and they will learn more about the pets' abilities and understand how those abilities are useful in the wild. The students also gain practice using the scientific method, designing task presentation, and analyzing data. The following are appended: (1) Vertebrate Animal Behavior Verification Form For High School Students; and (2) Fisher's Exact Test.(Contains 4 figures.)