Mammals

Mammals live in different places all over the world. You can find mammals living on land and in the sea.

All mammals have certain things in common. Let's find out what they are...

Photo by Mukul2u All mammals have hair at some point in their lives. Hair helps them keep warm and dry and for some mammals it helps them to hide.

Photo by Fourrure Most female mammals give birth to live young. This is different from many other animals such as birds, reptiles and fish that lay eggs.

Photo by Garrondo All female mammals produce milk for their young. The milk keeps baby mammals healthy and helps them to grow.

Photo by Schuyler Shepherd All mammals are warm-blooded. Warm-blooded animals always keep the same body temperature.

Nearly all land mammals have 4 legs (or 2 legs and 2 arms). All mammals have a backbone. Animals with a backbone are called vertebrates.

All mammals need to breathe air. They take oxygen from the air using their lungs.

Mammals can be really big. A blue whale's tongue can weigh as much as an elephant and its heart can be as heavy as a car!

Mammals can also be very small. The bumblebee bat is about the length of a stamp!

Can you name any other mammals?