Questions and Answers
What are structures of hair primarily made of?
What do mammary glands produce and secrete?
Milk
Mammals are distinguished from other vertebrates by having feathers.
False
What is the source of body heat in endothermic mammals?
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Which of the following are classified as trophic categories of mammals? (Select all that apply)
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What role do kidneys play in mammals?
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What is unique about mammal respiration?
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What do mammals require to maintain homeostasis?
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Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating conscious activities in mammals?
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Mammals that reproduce by laying eggs are called ______.
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What is gestation?
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Match the following groups of mammals to their descriptions:
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What is the 'Age of Mammals'?
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What are endotherms?
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Study Notes
Structures of Hair
- Hair is composed of keratin, a fibrous protein.
- A typical coat includes longer guard hairs for protection and shorter insulating underhair.
Mammary Glands
- Essential for producing and secreting milk that nourishes young mammals.
Distinguishing Characteristics of Mammals
- Mammals are characterized by the presence of hair and mammary glands, setting them apart from other vertebrates.
Endothermy
- Body heat is generated internally, supported by a high metabolic rate.
- Internal feedback mechanisms regulate body temperature.
Feeding and Digestion
- Daily food intake generates heat to maintain constant body temperature.
- Mammals categorized into four trophic groups:
- Insectivores: consume insects and small invertebrates.
- Herbivores: graze on plants.
- Carnivores: primarily eat herbivores.
- Omnivores: eat both plants and animals.
Excretion
- Kidneys manage water retention and excretion, aiding survival in extreme environments.
Respiration
- Mammals require high oxygen levels to sustain metabolism.
- The diaphragm, unique to mammals, aids in lung function by changing chest cavity volume.
Circulation
- Efficient separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood supports nutrient and oxygen delivery, essential for maintaining homeostasis.
The Brain and Senses
- Highly developed brains allow for complex behaviors such as learning and memory.
- The cerebral cortex is key for conscious activity, while the cerebellum coordinates movement and balance.
Glands
- Mammals possess various glands, including sweat glands for temperature control and mammary glands for milk production.
Reproduction
- Development typically occurs in the uterus, nourished by a placenta that supplies nutrients and oxygen while removing waste.
- Gestation refers to the period the young spend developing in the uterus.
Movement
- Mammals have adapted diverse limbs for finding food, shelter, and escaping predators, capable of running, flying, leaping, and swimming.
Monotremes - Order Monotremata
- Egg-laying mammals like the duck-billed platypus and echidnas, displaying both mammalian and reptilian characteristics.
Marsupials
- Short gestation periods characterize marsupials, which give birth to underdeveloped young that crawl into a pouch for continued growth and nourishment.
- Includes species such as opossums, kangaroos, and koalas.
Placental Mammals
- The majority of modern mammals are placental, giving birth to young that need no pouch for further development.
- Comprised of 18 orders, including Xenarthra, Rodentia, and Primates.
Therapsids
- Extinct vertebrates that exhibited both mammalian and reptilian traits; potentially endothermic.
The Age of Mammals
- Following the extinction of dinosaurs, placental mammals diversified rapidly.
- This period of significant mammalian evolution is known as the "Age of Mammals."
Characteristics of Birds
- Birds possess adaptations for internal heat generation, including feathers and lightweight bone structures.
- Specialized adaptations exist primarily for flight.
Endotherms
- Birds, classified as endotherms, internally regulate body heat, crucial for their survival and activity levels.
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Description
Test your knowledge of mammals with these flashcards that cover key concepts such as hair structures, mammary glands, and distinguishing characteristics. Great for students and enthusiasts alike looking to deepen their understanding of the Mammalia class.
