Mammal Chracteristics

Mammals produce milk for their young All female mammals contain mammary glands

All mammals have one single bone comprising their lower jaw

All mammals have three tiny ear bones in their middle ear

All mammals contain a diaphragm

All mammals have hair (pelage) Guard hair and Down hair

Mammal hearts are unique in that it has one primary artery (aorta) leaving the heart that bends to the left The heart of course in 4 chambered

Most female mammals have a placenta used to nourish and protect the growing offspring prior to birth

In a life time most animals have no more then two sets of teeth Mammals have various type of teeth modified for different functions

incisors - those teeth located in the front and center of one or both jaws, used for holding, cutting or gnawing canines - those teeth located on either side of the inci- sors, in one or both jaws, used for stabbing and tearing premolars/molars - those teeth located along the sides and back of one or both jaws, used for grinding and shearing

Mammals are endothermic and most have an upper palate that seperates the nasal cavity from the mouth