The word "mammalian" is spelled /məˈmeɪliən/, with the stress on the second syllable. It is derived from the noun "mammal", which refers to a warm-blooded animal that has hair or fur, produces milk for its young, and gives birth to live young. The -ian suffix is added to turn it into an adjective, meaning "of or relating to mammals". The spelling of the word is important because it reflects the correct pronunciation and meaning, especially in scientific and academic contexts.
Mammalian refers to any organism that belongs to the Mammalia class within the animal kingdom. Mammals are a diverse group of warm-blooded vertebrates characterized by the possession of mammary glands, which produce milk for nourishing their young offspring. They are typically covered in hair or fur, have a four-chambered heart, and possess specialized jaw bones.
One defining feature of mammals is their ability to nurse their young with milk from mammary glands, a characteristic unique to this class of animals. These glands provide nutrition and antibodies to the newborns, ensuring their survival and healthy development. Another key trait of mammals is the presence of differentiated teeth that perform various functions like biting, tearing, and grinding.
The variety of mammals includes humans, as well as other familiar creatures such as dogs, cats, horses, elephants, whales, bats, and monkeys. They inhabit various habitats worldwide, from terrestrial ecosystems like forests and deserts to aquatic environments like oceans and rivers. Mammals are also characterized by their active, endothermic lifestyle, enabling them to regulate their internal body temperature in order to thrive in a wide range of environments.
Mammalian organisms exhibit diverse behaviors, reproductive strategies, and physiological adaptations. These characteristics have allowed them to occupy a variety of ecological niches, making mammals one of the most successful and widespread groups of animals on Earth. Through their evolutionary history, mammals have developed complex social structures, advanced communication methods, and the ability to learn and solve problems, all of which contribute to their unique and adaptable nature.
Pert. to the mammalia.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "mammalian" originates from the Latin term "mammalis", which is derived from the Latin word "mamma" meaning "breast" or "udder". This Latin word refers to the milk-producing glands present in most mammals, hence distinguishing them from other animals. The suffix "-ian" in "mammalian" is used to indicate "pertaining to" or "relating to", making it a suitable term to describe animals belonging to the class Mammalia.