Mammals are a major class of vertebrate animals that belong to the phylum Chordata. They are characterized by several distinguishing features that set them apart from other animal classes. One defining characteristic of mammals is the presence of mammary glands in females, which produce milk to nourish their young. Mammals are also endothermic, meaning they can regulate their body temperature internally, typically maintaining a constant temperature higher than their environment.
Mammals exhibit a wide range of sizes, from small mice to enormous whales and elephants. They are typically covered in some form of hair or fur, which acts as insulation and protection. Another notable characteristic of mammals is the possession of specialized teeth, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, that adapt to various diets such as herbivory, carnivory, or omnivory.
These animals give birth to live young and exhibit varying degrees of parental care. Mammals have a highly developed brain and complex nervous system, leading to their advanced cognitive abilities and behaviors. They possess highly sensitive and specialized sense organs that allow them to perceive their environment effectively.
Mammals encompass a vast diversity of species, including humans, primates, rodents, carnivores, ungulates, cetaceans, bats, and many more. They inhabit nearly every part of the Earth, from the deep oceans to high mountains and even polar regions. Mammals play crucial ecological roles by filling various niches in ecosystems, such as pollination, seed dispersal, predation, and herbivory.
