Vocabulary
aerofoil A surface which is designed to aid in lifting or controlling by making use of the
air currents through which it moves.
altricial Areproductivesysteminbirdsinwhichthenewlyhatchedyoungaresmall, naked,
immobile and blind.
monogamous A mating system in birds where the couple pair for the duration of the
breeding season or sometimes for a few years or until one mate dies.
polygamous A mating system in birds where there is more than one mate.
precocial A reproductive system in birds in which the newly hatched young are feathered
and mobile.
Points to Consider
- Birds and mammals are the only warm-blooded vertebrates. As in birds, mammals
also have lots of diversity and live in varied habitats. Based on what you know about
adaptations in birds, how do you think mammalian limbs are adapted for locomotion
in different habitats? - Mammals also have specialized diets, as in birds. Instead of beaks, mammals have
different kinds of teeth. How do you think different kinds of teeth in mammals are
adapted for different kinds of diets in this group?
14.2 Lesson 14.2: Mammals
Lesson Objectives
- List and describe general traits of mammals.
- Compare reproduction in monotremes, marsupials and placental mammals.
- Describe how mammals can be grouped according to their anatomy and their habitats.
- Explain how non-human mammals can benefit people and how they play an ecological
role.
Check Your Understanding
- What traits are there in mammals as a result of them being warm-blooded?