Chapter 25: Problem 7

How do mammals differ from birds, and what adaptations do they share?

Short Answer

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Mammals and birds differ in several ways: mammals have hair or fur, give birth to live young, and have mammary glands to produce milk, while birds have feathers, lay eggs, and lack mammary glands. However, they share some adaptations, such as being warm-blooded, having high metabolism, and possessing relatively large brains compared to their body size.

Step by step solution

Identify key features of mammals

Mammals are a group of vertebrates with some specific characteristics. Some key features of mammals include: 1. Warm-blooded (maintain a constant body temperature) 2. Possess hair or fur on their body 3. Give birth to live young (except monotremes, like the platypus, which lay eggs) 4. Mammary glands produce milk to nourish their young 5. Possess a diaphragm for more efficient breathing 6. Three middle ear bones (incus, malleus, and stapes) for better hearing

Identify key features of birds

Birds are also a group of vertebrates with their unique characteristics. Some key features of birds include: 1. Warm-blooded (maintain a constant body temperature) 2. Feathers covering their body 3. Lay eggs with hard shells 4. Beaks instead of teeth 5. They have a lightweight skeleton with hollow bones 6. Possess a strong respiratory system and air sacs for efficient oxygen exchange during flight

Compare and contrast mammals and birds

Differences between mammals and birds include: 1. Mammals have hair or fur, while birds have feathers. 2. Mammals give birth to live young (most of them), while birds lay eggs. 3. Mammals have mammary glands to produce milk for their young, while birds do not. 4. Mammal ears consist of three middle ear bones, while birds only have one. 5. Mammals use a diaphragm for respiration, while birds have air sacs and a more efficient respiratory system.

Identify shared adaptations of mammals and birds

Despite their differences, mammals and birds share some adaptations, such as: 1. Both are warm-blooded, which allows them to maintain a constant body temperature. 2. High metabolism to support their active lifestyles. 3. Relatively large brain size compared to their body size, which allows for advanced behaviors and learning. By observing the key features, differences, and shared adaptations between mammals and birds, we can better understand the ways in which these two groups of animals are both similar and distinct.

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How do mammals differ from birds, and what adaptations do they share?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify key features of mammals

Identify key features of birds

Compare and contrast mammals and birds

Identify shared adaptations of mammals and birds

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