‘Puppy Eyes’ Didn’t Evolve Just for Humans, Study of Wild Dogs Finds
New research has challenged the widely held belief that domestic dogs evolved their expressive “puppy ...
May
Southern California Traffic Brought to Standstill After Bear Wanders Onto Freeway
Unusual Commute Disruption Commuters on a typically busy Southern California freeway were met with an ...
May
Orcas Have Attacked and Sunk Another Boat in Europe — Experts Warn of More Attacks Soon
Growing Concern Over Orca Attacks in European Waters In a startling development, orcas have once ...
May
Longleat Keepers Helping Raise Fennec Fox Kits
At Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, an exciting milestone has been achieved as the team ...
May
Japan’s Plan to Hunt Whales Sparks Outrage Among Conservationists
Japan’s recent announcement to expand its commercial whaling activities to include the vulnerable fin whales ...
May
- 1
- 2
Mammals, a class of vertebrates, are distinguished by several key features, including mammary glands that produce milk to nourish their young, hair or fur covering their bodies, and a neocortex region in their brains, which plays a role in complex behaviors and cognitive functions.
Mammals exhibit a wide range of adaptations to diverse habitats, from the soaring heights of birds to the depths of the ocean.
They are endothermic, meaning they can regulate their body temperature internally, which often allows for greater activity and exploration of various environments.
Mammals give birth to live young (with the exception of monotremes like the platypus and echidna, which lay eggs), and parental care is often extensive, contributing to the survival and development of their offspring.
With over 5,400 known species ranging from tiny shrews to massive whales, mammals inhabit nearly every corner of the globe, playing vital roles in ecosystems as predators, prey, and ecosystem engineers.