Mammals Advanced Life Science Rainier JrSr High School

Mammals Advanced Life Science Rainier Jr/Sr High School Mr. Taylor

Mammals § Kingdom Animalia § Phylum Chordata § Subphylum Vertebrata § Class Mammalia

Mammal Characteristics § Mammae: modified sebaceous glands that produce a nutrient-rich milk to feed offspring. § Extended parental care: mammals take care of their young for an extended period of time § maximizes survival § minimizes the need for large numbers of offspring

Mammal Characteristics § Most are viviparous: bear live young § Three “styles” of reproduction § Monotremes: egg–laying § Marsupial: very immature young “brooded” in a pouch § Placental: offspring develop inside the uterus and nourished by a system of several membranes

Mammal Characteristics § Large, well-developed brain § Brainstem: medulla oblongata and pons § “Reptilian brain” deals with breathing and heartbeat § Cerebellum § Coordinates motor activity § Cerebrum § The “thinking” brain

Other Mammal Characteristics § Endothermic: “warm-blooded” § Hair or fur for insulation § Four chambered heart § Muscular diaphragm: improves lung ventilation § External ears § Collect and funnel sounds to the eardrum

Other Mammal Characteristics § Specialized teeth § Incisors: nip and cut § Canines: hold and pierce § Premolars: grind/shear § Molars: grind/shear