Mammal Characteristics
Hair
Some marine mammals have very little hair
Used to insulate and keep warm
Mammals can also have subcutaneous fat (blubber) which they will use to keep warm
Specialized teeth
Incisors - chisel front teeth used for biting & chewing
Canines - pointed teeth for stabbing, holding, killing prey
Molars - flattened back teeth for crushing & grinding
Predators will have large canines whereas Herbivores will have large flat molars
Endothermic
Mammals are warm-blooded
Mammary Glands
Produce milk to feed young
Placenta
Most mammals have placental birth
Exceptions include monotremes, which lay eggs and marsupials, which develop young in a pouch
Attached to the wall of the uterus and provides the fetus with nourishment
Diaphragm
Muscle that aids in breathing