Mammals
Mammals (Mammalia)
Mammals (pronounced /ˈmæməlz/; from Latin mamma "breast") are a group of vertebrate animals constituting the class Mammalia (/məˈmeɪliə/), characterized by the presence of mammary glands which in females produce milk for feeding (nursing) their young, a neocortex (a region of the brain), fur or hair, and three middle ear bones.
Etymology
The word "mammal" is modern, from the scientific name Mammalia coined by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, derived from the Latin mamma ("teat, pap"). All female mammals nurse their young with milk, which is secreted from special glands, the mammary glands.
Characteristics
Mammals are distinguished by several other unique features. Hair is a typical mammalian feature, although in many mammals it has disappeared during evolution. The mammalian middle ear contains three bones, which are not found in other animal groups. Some mammals are intelligent, with some possessing large brains, self-awareness and tool use. Mammals can communicate and vocalize in several ways, including the production of ultrasound, scent-marking, alarm signals, singing, and echolocation.
Classification
Mammals belong to the class Mammalia, which includes 5000+ species classified into about 26 orders. The taxonomy is based on features such as structure and genetics. The orders include the Monotremes, the Marsupials, and the Placental Mammals.
Related Terms
- Monotremes: One of the three main groups of living mammals, along with placentals (Eutheria) and marsupials (Metatheria). Monotremes are distinguished by laying eggs rather than bearing live young.
- Marsupials: A group of mammals commonly thought of as being 'pouched' mammals (like the wallaby and kangaroo).
- Placental Mammals: Mammals that give live birth without a shelled egg.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mammals
- Wikipedia's article - Mammals
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