What makes a mammal a mammal?
There are several general characteristics that all mammals share. The biggest indicator would be the fact that all mammals are warm blooded. To be warm blooded means the animal regulates its internal body heat to stay a constant temperature.
Mammals have hair all over their bodies. Even mammals that you don't consider to be hairy have some sort of fur. If you can't see it, that is usually because it is just very short.
Mammals are also known as vertebrates, which means they have a backbone, or spine.
They also produce milk to feed their children. Mammal young tend to stay with their parents for longer than other animals too.
Mammals are also known as vertebrates, which means they have a backbone, or spine.
They also produce milk to feed their children. Mammal young tend to stay with their parents for longer than other animals too.
Are humans mammals?
We can determine if a human, or any other animal we encounter, is a mammal by comparing it to the defining characteristics we've just learned.
Are humans warm blooded?
Yes. Humans have a normal body temperature that we maintain by sweating to cool off, or shivering to warm up.
Do humans have hair?
Yes. We typically have the most hair on the tops of our heads, but we also have hair all over our bodies.
Do humans have a spine?
Yes. Our spines are what keeps us upright and protects all the nerves in our spinal cord. Without a spine, we wouldn't be able to move.
Do humans produce milk to feed their children?
Yes. Humans feed their children either milk or a milk replacement formula when they are young.
So, humans must be mammals.
Are humans warm blooded?
Yes. Humans have a normal body temperature that we maintain by sweating to cool off, or shivering to warm up.
Do humans have hair?
Yes. We typically have the most hair on the tops of our heads, but we also have hair all over our bodies.
Do humans have a spine?
Yes. Our spines are what keeps us upright and protects all the nerves in our spinal cord. Without a spine, we wouldn't be able to move.
Do humans produce milk to feed their children?
Yes. Humans feed their children either milk or a milk replacement formula when they are young.
So, humans must be mammals.