Question

Describe five mammal characteristics and explain how they enable mammals to survive in different environments.

Answer 1

Mammals characteristics:

• The presence of hair or fur.
• Sweat glands.
• Glands specialized to produces milk, known as mammary glands.
• Three middle ear bones.
• A neocortex region in the brain which specializes in seeing and hearing.
• Specialized teeth.
• A four chambered-heart.

Enable to survive:

• Species of mammals have developed varying adaptations in the response to the different environments in which they live.
• Mammals in cold climates have insulating layers-a thick coat of fur, or a thick layers of fat- that help retain body heat and keep the animal's body heat and keep that animal's body temperature constant.
• Some mammals that live in deserts survive by special adaptations in their kidneys and sweat glands, as well as by their ability to avoid heat by behavioral means.
• Other adaptations for survival in extreme climates includes hibernation. These responses make it possible for the animals to conserve energy when food supplies become scarce.