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There are several characteristics that are indicative of mammals, but only two are definitive. It is easier to understand things if you know that there are three types of mammal. Almost all mammals are eutherian, or true mammals. A much smaller group are the marsupials; all but one species of these is found only in Australia and its islands. The remaining group, the monotremes, is limited to that same area.
The relevant characteristics are : -
- Three tiny bones in the ear are absolutely definitive; all mammals have them and no other animals do. The bones are hammer, anvil and stirrup.
- Mammals feed their neonates by milk supplied through the female's skin; this also is definitive. Eutheria have nipples on which the newborns suck. Marsupials and monotremes have a skin patch which the young lick.
- Mammals are hairy. All mammals have hair, although some have only traces. Hair is not definitive - many insects have it. (Look at a honey-bee through a magnifying glass!)
- Almost all mammals give birth to live young, but the three species of monotremes lay eggs. When the egg hatches it is still fed on mother's milk.
What else can I help you with?
How are mammals different to one other?
how do animal differ from onr other
What makes mammals different from the other animal groupes?
Mammals can give birth,where few animals cant
Is a mammal an animal?
Yes a mammal is a kind of animal with hair and gives birth to live young.
Is a mammal a girl?
Mammals are boys and girls. Mammals are classified based on certain characteristics they have. Some characteristics mammals have are: 1. They have to have at least some hair on their body. 2. The females have to have nipples that they feed their young milk with. 3. And, other than monotremes (platypus and possums and other animals), they have to give live birth to their young. So therefore, all humans are mammals. Cats, dogs, hamsters, and all other animals you can think of that have all three characteristics, are mammals.
Do all mammals have hair?
Yes. Mammals are the only animal group that can have hair. Invertebrates such as certain species of spiders and insects have hair-like structures called setae, not hair. The two are quite different. Hair/fur is one of the defining characteristics of mammals.
Do lions eat the same as any other animal?
No, every animal eats different things, Lions will eat antelope and zebras while an ocelot will eat small amphibians and mammals
Is it true that platypuses are different from other mammals babies because they share nothing?
Platypuses and echidnas are different from other mammals because they are monotremes, i.e. mammals which lay eggs.
Are whales classified as fish?
No! Whales are air-breathing mammals that give birth to live young. Whales produce milk for their young, which also designates them as mammals.
Is homosexuality observed in other species"?
Yes, homosexuality has been observed in many different species in the animal kingdom, including mammals, birds, and insects.
Are birds and bats both mammals?
only bats are mammals. a bird is a bird which is a whole other animal group.
What is biological classification of organisms based on?
It's based on which animals are related to each other. For example: Humans are animals, not plants. Humans are called mammals because they are related to other mammals and have the same characteristics. We are further sorted as apes, because apes are our closest relatives in the Animal Kingdom.
Which characteristics work well in a dichotomous key?
Clear, distinct, and easily observable characteristics work well in a dichotomous key. These characteristics should help users to easily differentiate between different choices and make a decision at each step of the key.
