mammal
Definition
A mammal is a member of the class Mammalia, which is the largest class of vertebrates on Earth. Mammals are characterized by a number of features, including:
- Warm-blooded: Mammals have a high body temperature that is regulated internally, regardless of the outside temperature.
- Hair or fur: Mammals have fur or hair that helps to keep them warm.
- Viviparous: Mammals give birth to live young.
- Mammary glands: Female mammals have mammary glands that produce milk to feed their young.
Mammals are found in almost every environment on Earth, from the frozen Arctic to the hot deserts. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny shrew to the giant elephant.
Mammals are an important part of the ecosystem. They help to control populations of other animals, and they also disperse seeds and pollinate plants.
How can the word be used?
Mammals are the most diverse group of vertebrates on Earth.
Different forms of the word
Noun: A warm-blooded vertebrate animal that has hair or fur, gives birth to live young and nurses its young with milk.
Adjective: Describing something that is related to mammals. For example, you could say "mammal milk" or "mammal behaviour".
Verb: To give birth to live young. For example, you could say "The mammal gave birth to a litter of pups.".
Etymology
The word "mammal" comes from the Latin word "mamma", which means "breast". This is a reference to the fact that mammals are the only vertebrates that nurse their young with milk.
The word "mammal" was first used in English in the 16th century. It was originally used to describe animals that were similar to humans, but it soon came to be used in a more general sense to describe any animal that gave birth to live young and nursed its young with milk.
Question
What do mammals have in common?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define what a mammal is and provide examples of unique characteristics that distinguish mammals from other animal groups.
Answer:
A "mammal" is a class of vertebrate animals characterised by certain distinct features. One of the defining characteristics of mammals is that they are warm-blooded, meaning their body temperature remains relatively constant regardless of the surrounding environment. Additionally, mammals possess hair or fur, which helps regulate body temperature and can serve other purposes like camouflage or sensory functions.
Mammals also give birth to live young, as opposed to laying eggs like reptiles and birds. They have mammary glands that produce milk, allowing them to nurse their offspring. These characteristics contribute to the success of mammals in various habitats around the world.
Examples of mammals include humans, dogs, cats, elephants, and whales. Humans are characterised by their advanced cognitive abilities, while dogs and cats have keen senses of smell and hearing. Elephants are known for their impressive memory and social behaviours, and whales exhibit incredible adaptations for life in aquatic environments, such as their streamlined bodies and specialised fins.
In conclusion, mammals are a diverse group of animals sharing key characteristics such as warm-bloodedness, hair or fur, live birth, and milk production. These unique features have enabled mammals to thrive in diverse ecosystems and play vital roles in Earth's biodiversity.