mammal etymology

Etymology:

The word "mammal" is derived from the Latin word "mamma," which means "breast." It was first used in the 16th century to describe animals that suckle their young.

Meaning:

A mammal is a warm-blooded vertebrate animal that:

• Possesses mammary glands that produce milk to nourish their young
• Has hair or fur
• Typically gives birth to live offspring (with the exception of monotremes)
• Maintains a constant body temperature (endothermy)

Origin:

The earliest known mammals evolved from therapsid reptiles during the late Triassic period, approximately 230-250 million years ago. The first true mammals were small, mouse-sized creatures that resembled modern day shrews. Over time, mammals diversified and evolved into a wide variety of species, including the largest land animals (e.g., elephants, whales) and the only mammals that can fly (bats).

Key Features of Mammals:

• Mammary glands: Mammary glands are specialized exocrine glands that produce milk to feed their young. Milk is rich in nutrients that are essential for growth and development.
• Hair or fur: Mammals have hair or fur that provides insulation, protection, and camouflage.
• Live birth: Most mammals give birth to live offspring. Exceptions include monotremes (platypus, echidna), which lay eggs.
• Endothermy: Mammals are endothermic, meaning they maintain a constant body temperature regardless of the external environment. This allows them to be active in a wide range of habitats.
• Complex nervous system: Mammals have a highly developed nervous system that includes a large brain and specialized structures for sensory perception, coordination, and learning.

mammal relate terms

• mamma

  Meaning Mother Female parent of a child Etymology From Latin mamma meaning bre

• Mammalia

  Etymology Latin Mammalia Meaning Mammals Origin The term Mammalia comes from t

• mamma

  Meaning Mother Female parent of a child Etymology From Latin mamma meaning bre

• mammalian

  Etymology The term mammalian is derived from the Latin word mamma which means breas

• mammal

  Etymology The word mammal is derived from the Latin word mamma which means breast

• pinniped

  Etymology The word pinniped is derived from the Latin roots pinna fin and pes fo

• marsupial

  Etymology Latin marsupium pouch Greek μάρσιππος marsippos pouch M

• echidna

  Etymology The word echidna comes from the Ancient Greek word ἐχῖδνα ekhídna

• Orca

  Etymology The word orca is derived from the Latin word orca which in turn is derived

• rodent

  Etymology The word rodent comes from the Latin word rodere which means to gnaw I

• moose

  Etymology The word moose originates from the Algonquian language and is likely derived

• panda

  Etymology The word panda is derived from the Nepali word nigalya ponya which means

• hair

  Etymology The word hair comes from the Proto Germanic word harja which is related t

• coat

  Etymology The word coat comes from the Old French word cote which in turn comes from

• stress

  Etymology of stress The word stress comes from the Latin word stringere meaning