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

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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

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Endothermic

Mammals are warm-blooded

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Mammary Glands

Produce milk to feed young

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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

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Diaphragm

Muscle that aids in breathing

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