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mammals

Mammals are an important group of vertebrates characterized by the presence of mothers feeding their offspring. Notable characteristics of mammals include lactation, body hair, endothermy (warm-blooded animals), and a four-chambered heart. There are many species of mammals, living in almost all ecosystems on Earth, from the deep sea to the mountains, from tropical rainforests to the cold polar regions.

  • scientific name:Mammalia

  • Features

    • suckle:Females have mammary glands that secrete milk to feed their young.

    • Body hair:Most mammals are covered with hair.

    • Endothermic:Maintaining a constant body temperature through metabolism.

    • Four-chambered heart:Mammals have four-chambered hearts to ensure efficient oxygen delivery.

    • viviparous:Most mammals reproduce by giving birth to live young, but some species, such as monotremes (e.g. the platypus), lay eggs.

  • Habitat:Almost all habitats on Earth, including land, ocean, fresh water, polar regions, etc.

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Mammal classification table

Mammals are numerous and can be subdivided based on different biological characteristics. Mammals are roughly divided into three subclasses:

  1. Monotremata: Oviparous mammals.

  2. Marsupialia: Kangaroos, koalas, etc., whose young continue to develop in a pouch outside the mother's body.

  3. Eutheria: Viviparous mammals, the most abundant species, including humans, lions, whales, etc.

The following is a detailed classification table of mammals, including all orders, families, genera and typical animals:

sortOrderFamilyGenusExamples
MonotremataMonotremataOrnithorhynchidaeOrnithorhynchusPlatypus, Echidna


TachyglossidaeEchidnaEchidna
MarsupialiaMarsupialiaMacropodidaeMacropusKangaroos, wombats, possums


PhascolarctidaePhascolarctoskoala


DasyuridaeDasyurusBandicoot, Tasmanian devil
EutheriaCarnivoraCanidaeCanisWolf, dog, fox


FelidaeFelisHouse cat, lion, tiger


UrsidaeUrsusBlack bear, brown bear, polar bear

PerissodactylaEquidaeEquusHorse, donkey, zebra


RhinocerotidaeRhinocerosWhite rhino, black rhino


TapiridaeTapirusTapirus

ArtiodactylaBovidaeBosCattle, antelopes, sheep


CervidaeCervusDeer, reindeer, sika deer


SuidaeSusWild boar, domestic pig

CetaceaBalaenidaeMegapteraHumpback whale, blue whale


DelphinidaeDelphinusDolphins, killer whales

PrimatesCercopithecidaePongoOrangutans, gibbons, monkeys


HominidaeHomoHumans, chimpanzees, orangutans

RodentiaSciuridaeSciurusSquirrels, Ground Squirrels


CastoridaeCastorbeaver


MuridaeMusHouse mouse, vole

ChiropteraVespertilionidaeMyotisSmall bat, big bat

LagomorphaLeporidaeOryctolagusRabbit, hare

Characteristics and Adaptations of Mammals

Mammals are one of the most diverse groups in the biological world. Here are the main characteristics of mammals and how they adapt:


1. Breastfeeding

A notable feature of mammals is that mothers secrete milk through their mammary glands to feed their offspring. This allows mammal cubs to receive adequate nutritional support after birth, increasing their survival rate.


2. Body hair

Almost all mammals have body hair, which not only helps to keep warm, but also plays a camouflage or display function in some species. For example, the white hair of polar bears helps them camouflage in the snow and reduce the risk of being discovered by prey.


3. Homeothermy

Mammals maintain a stable body temperature through metabolism, which allows mammals to maintain a suitable temperature regardless of changes in the outside temperature. This feature allows mammals to survive in a variety of environments, including extreme environments such as polar regions and deserts.


4. Viviparity

Most mammals reproduce by giving birth to live young, which allows the embryo to receive more stable nutritional support in the mother's body and be more viable after birth. Some species, such as kangaroos and koalas, adopt marsupial parenting.


5. Diet

Mammals have a variety of diets, from herbivorous to carnivorous and omnivorous. Some species (such as bats) have even evolved to suck blood. Different diets allow mammals to find living space in a variety of ecological environments.


Summary: Mammals are the most advanced animals with the most perfect physiological functions. There are more than 4,000 existing mammals. Almost all mammals are warm-blooded. Feeding their offspring with breast milk is one of their most notable characteristics. Mammals include nearly 30 orders, including Monotremes, Carnivores, Primates, Perissodactyla, and Artiodactyla.

Carnivora Primates Rodents Chiroptera Eulipotyphla Ungulata Cetacea Lagoiformes Pholidota Proboscidea Monotremata
American Foxhound

American Foxhound

Features:The dog is alert and sharp, has a keen sense of smell, graceful posture, extremely fast speed, gentle, cute and loyal, and very brave when hunting.

The American Foxhound originated from the English Foxhound introduced to America in 1650.The American Foxhound is lighter than the English Foxhound, and they run very fast because the American red fox runs faster than the English fox. In 1770, Washington (President of the United States) ordered some...

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Karabas Dog

Features:It can adapt to all kinds of climates, is strong and brave, is gentle to children, does not trust strangers, and is a good guard dog.

About 1,000 years ago, some Turkish-speaking people came to settle in some parts of Asia, and they brought with them the proud shepherd dogs, the ancestors of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.Initially, the ancient Turks did not use sheepdogs to drive sheep, but only used them to protect the flocks from c...

Keeshond

Keeshond

Caisset Hound, Fat Pomeranian

Features:Neither timid nor aggressive, very outgoing, very friendly to people and other dogs. Lively, intelligent, alert, good memory, good at observing things.

The Keeshond is the national dog of the Netherlands.The Keeshond is relatively large, but it does not take up space. When riding on a Dutch ship, it is accustomed to curling up into a circle to avoid taking up space. The Keeshond is very loyal to its owner and brings endless joy to the owner. Althou...

Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound

Features:This dog was the smallest hunting dog in the past, mostly used to hunt rabbits and pheasants. Because of its small size and cuteness, it gradually became a family pet dog.

The Italian Greyhound was the smallest hunting dog in the past. It is an ancient dog breed that was mostly used to hunt rabbits and pheasants. Because of its small size and cuteness, it has gradually become a family pet dog.The highest admirer of the Italian Greyhound was King Frederick II of Prussi...

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffie, Stafford, Staffy or Staff

Features:Strong, muscular, lively and agile. Loyal to the owner, willing to sacrifice, indomitable, extremely intelligent and tenacious.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in England hundreds of years ago and is a cross between a bulldog and a Mastiff.In the early 19th century, when dog fighting was popular, the bulldogs bred at that time were larger than the dogs we know today, and these large dogs were crossed with some of t...

Smooth Fox Terrier

Smooth Fox Terrier

Short-haired Fox Terrier

Features:Very barking, can fight and capture foxes

The Short-haired Fox Terrier is a British breed that has been registered in the United States for more than 100 years. The breed is divided into two strains - the Short-haired Fox Terrier and the Wire-haired Fox Terrier.In 1984, the American AKC Club passed the standard to distinguish between the sh...

Plott Hound

Plott Hound

Features:Plott Hounds need long walks or outdoor activities every day. They love swimming and need weekly brushing.

The Plott Hound is a large group hound native to the United States and originated in the 18th century. The Plott Hound is intelligent, alert and confident, with a pronounced hound-like overtone, and was traditionally bred to handle large game.The Plott Hound is the original coonhound. This large, so...

Xoloitzcuintle

Xoloitzcuintle

Mexican Hairless Dog, Zoroz Interli

Features:It is a rare hairless dog breed.

The Mexican Hairless Dog is one of the earliest dogs in the world and was once used as a bed-warmer and pet, but it is not very popular. This clever, lively and affectionate animal is often compared to ancient African stray dogs and European terriers. Their physical structure is reminiscent of the c...

Welsh Terrier

Welsh Terrier

Welsh Daddy

Features:Naughty and active by nature, likes to provoke other dogs

The Welsh Terrier is a breed of dog native to the United Kingdom, originating in the 19th century.The ancestor of the Welsh Terrier is the old black and brown terrier of Wales, England. It was first recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1886. It was introduced to the United States two years later...

Vizsla

Vizsla

Hungarian Vizsla, Drotszorum Vizsla,Magyar Vizsla

Features:It has an outstanding dark yellow coat, is calm and rational, obedient and affectionate to people, active, easy to train, and has outstanding physical strength.

The Hungarian Vizsla is believed to have the bloodline of the Transylvanian Hound and the Turkish Yellow Dog, and also has the bloodline of the modern pointing hound. It is known as the national dog of Hungary.Its history can be traced back to the Middle Ages, and its ancestors entered...

Chinook

Chinook

Features:Active and good-tempered, it is a fun-loving, versatile and excellent family dog.

The Chinook originated in the 20th century and is native to the United States.It was bred by historical breeder Arthur Walton, with the main task of catching sleds. It was bred by mating Eskimo dogs, short-haired Saint Bernard dogs and Belgian shepherd dogs.The rarest dog in the world is the Chinook...

Kuvasz

Kuvasz

Corgi

Features:Bold, courageous and fearless, with the ability to work tirelessly and for long periods of time in rough terrain.

The Kuvasz originated in the 13th century. Its ancestor is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Tibet, China, and later came to Hungary via Turkey. In terms of appearance and coat color, it is very similar to the Maremma Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees, and they may have a common ancest...

German Pinscher

German Pinscher

German Shepherd

Features:Temperament: Alert, agile, good-tempered, playful, loyal, vigilant, and courageous.

The German Flat Terrier originated in Germany in 1879. It is a relatively large terrier. It is mostly used as a helper on farms and was originally used to catch mice.It may be related to the black and brown terrier. The Second World War made this breed endangered. After Mr. Werner's efforts, it...

Finnish Lapphund

Finnish Lapphund

Lapland dog

Features:Looks like a medium-sized Alaskan dog, a dog that can hunt reindeer

The Finnish Lapphund originated in the 17th century. Originally bred by the Lapps who lived in the northernmost part of Europe, the Lapphund's homeland stretches across Norway, Sweden, and northern Finland. Similar breeds also occur in neighboring regions of Russia.Most of the Lapp region is loc...

Irish Setter

Irish Setter

Features:Lively and positive, with a gentle personality, suitable for accompanying children.

Irish Setter is a general term for Irish Red Setter and Irish Red and White Setter. Among them, it is generally believed that Irish Setter refers to Irish Red Setter. In the United States, long-distance bus routes are marked by greyhounds, while Ireland once used Irish Setter as a mascot and logo, w...

Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terrier

The Patterdale Terrier

Features:Bold, cheerful, friendly, and confident. They have an indomitable spirit and strong fur, and can endure the heaviest rain or the coldest weather. They are strong, docile, and lively, and are easy to get close to.

The Lakeland Terrier was originally called the Patterdale Terrier. It was developed by mating the Bedlington Terrier and the Old English Wirehaired Terrier in the northern lake area of England. There were many branches, which were classified as one in 1912. Similar to the Welsh Terrier, but slightly...

English Foxhound

English Foxhound

Foxhound

Features:Strong and active, brave and loyal, with excellent speed and vision.

The English Foxhound originated in the United Kingdom in the 18th century, and its ancestor was the St. Hubert Hound.The English Foxhound has been carefully bred for more than 150 years, and the Good Breed Register published by the Foxhound Owners Association (UK) dates back more than 1,800 years, a...

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

Features:A working dog with strong herding and guarding abilities

The Australian Shepherd originated in the 19th century. It is a working dog with strong herding and guarding abilities, and is particularly good at search and rescue work, and is widely praised for its high obedience.Although it is called the Australian Shepherd, it is actually mainly bred in the Un...

Beauceron

Beauceron

French Shepherd, Boschnozzle, French Shorthaired Shepherd Dog

Features:The French Wolfhound looks a bit like a Doberman Pinscher. They are smart, brave, loyal, and eager to work. They are good guard dogs and herding dogs.

Although other countries don't know much about the French Wolfhound, it is indeed a very old purebred dog bred in France. Named after the Beauce region of France.The French Wolfhound was first described in documents in 1587. In 1809, a priest first described the difference between the French Wol...

Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terrier

Irish Terrier

Features:The Kerry Blue Terrier has many talents and an instinct to track and retrieve prey. It is suitable for all forms of work, easy to train, and has an indomitable spirit that is difficult for a guard dog to surpass.

The Kerry Blue Terrier, also known as the Irish Terrier, is the national dog of Ireland. It originated in County Kerry, Ireland in the 19th century. Its blue fur is its typical feature. There is also a legend that after escaping from the wrecked Spanish Armada in 1588, it drifted to the coast of Ire...

Mastiff

Mastiff

Napoleon

Features:The Mastiff is a dog that is highly aggressive, energetic, and cheerful, yet also calm, loyal, and affectionate.

The Mastiff is also called "Napoleon" in China. It is one of the largest dog breeds. Now it is ranked alongside the Great Dane as a "easy-going giant dog".The Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds and was considered a treasure by the ancient Babylonians four thousand years ago....