Question

Give the characteristics of mammals.

Answer 1

Hint:Mammals are a group of vertebrate animals that make up the Mammalia category and are distinguished by the presence of mammalian glands that produce milk for feeding (nursing) their young in females, a neocortex (a brain region), fur or hair, and three middle ear bones.

Complete answer:
Animals belonging to the mammalian class are classified as mammals. Mammals in the animal kingdom are one of the most advanced animals known as vertebrates. They exhibit sophisticated features that set them apart from all other species.

Mammals' Characteristics
A list of distinct characteristics of mammals distinguishing them from other groups is given below:
i) Mammals are animals with warm blood who give birth to their younger ones.
ii) They are the most dominant animal form found in almost all habitat types.
iii) They have mammary glands that help them produce milk to feed their younger children.
iv) Presence of a brain region known as the Neocortex
v) Oil glands (sebaceous glands) and sweat glands (sudoriferous glands) are present on their skin.
vi) The body-wide hair fur that helps animals adjust to their environment.
vii) They are heterodont, i.e., they have various kinds of teeth.
viii) Mammals possess cervical vertebrae as well.
ix) Dicondyllic is the skull.
x) The trunk is divided between the abdomen and the thorax.
xi) Mammals breathe from their lungs.
xii) A strong sense of hearing as 3 middle ear bones are provided by mammals.
xiii) Mammals have a heart that is four-chambered. The venous sinus and the portal renal system are missing.
xiv) Presence of the lower jaws, single-boned.
xv) Divided into the cerebrum, cerebellum and medulla, the brain is well formed.
xvi) 12 pairs of cranial nerves are in their possession.
xvii) Exhibit one of the most sophisticated forms of diaphragms.
xviii) Mammals are also able to lay eggs. They are referred to as Viviparous.

Note:Mammalia, in the animal world, has the highest class. They are categorised into three subclasses on the basis of their reproduction:
i) Eutheria -They give birth to young ones.
ii) Metatheria-They give birth to immature young ones.
iii) Prototheria-They lay eggs.