Mammal

A warm-blooded vertebrate animal of a class (Mammalia) distinguished by the possession of hair or fur, the secretion of milk by females for the nourishment of the young, and (typically) the birth of live young. Mammals are characterized by their complex brains, specialized teeth, and three middle ear bones. They exhibit a wide range of adaptations for diverse environments, from aquatic to terrestrial and aerial habitats. This group includes humans, primates, ungulates, carnivores, rodents, and cetaceans, showcasing significant variation in size, form, and behavior. The defining features relate primarily to their endothermic nature, lactation for infant care, and presence of a neocortex in the brain. Mammals play significant roles in ecosystems and are often highly intelligent and social animals. The fossil record provides evidence of their evolutionary history.

Mammal meaning with examples

• The blue whale, the largest known animal, is a marine mammal, dependent on oceans for survival and feeding, showing many of the characteristics found in other mammals. Its adaptations include a blubber layer for warmth and lungs, a streamlined body for movement, showing traits of mammal physiology. Blue whales, just like other mammals, birth their young, nurse their offspring, and possess fur at one point of their lives.
• Primates, including monkeys, apes, and humans, are characterized by their flexible limbs, developed hand structures, and relatively large brains, reflecting features of a mammal's biology. Their social structures and behaviors are complex, including the birth of live young and nursing. This shows the fundamental characteristics of a mammalian species, distinct from others like reptiles and amphibians.
• Dogs, cats, and other carnivores represent a diverse group of mammals, adapted for hunting and consuming meat, following a mammal's biological function. Their sharp teeth and claws aid in prey capture, and their senses of smell and hearing are often highly developed, showing characteristics of the group. Many display complex social behaviors and are born live and nursed by their mothers, adhering to mammalian traits.
• Rodents, such as mice, rats, and squirrels, form the largest order of mammals, demonstrating great biodiversity that shares traits common to the animal class. Their gnawing teeth, used for consuming plant matter, and their small size illustrate adaptation. Mammals share characteristics like birth of young, nursing, and warm-bloodedness.