Mammal Overview

Humans and bats might seem worlds apart, but we have some surprising similarities—we’re both mammals.

So, what is a mammal? They are warm-blooded vertebrates with several unique features.

All mammals have hair or fur, whether it's the fur on a bat or the hair on our heads.

All mammals have sweat glands, but not all use them to cool down their bodies. Dogs, for instance, efficiently regulate their temperature by panting.

Another key trait is that female mammals have mammary glands to feed their young with milk.

Mammals also have large, complex brains, helping them think and solve problems.

They also have three bones in their ears, allowing them to hear clearly.

Mammals have specialized teeth that are adapted to their specific diets. For example, herbivores like deer have sharp front teeth for cutting plants and large molars for grinding them, whereas carnivores like lions have sharp canines and slicing teeth for meat. Humans have a variety of teeth suited for eating a variety of diets.

With these features, mammals thrive in diverse environments, from oceans and forests to the skies.