In general, locomotion on land will require more energy than locomotion in water. By integrating what you learned about animal form and function in Unit 7, discuss some of the evolutionary adaptations of mammals that support the high energy requirements for moving on land.

The animals of the phylum Chordata are grouped under several classes. The class Mammalia refers to the organisms that have hairy bodies along with bones in the ear and milk-feeding organs in females. These organisms can be found in the land as well as in aquatic ecosystems.

The biological world is divided into two broad categories; one is terrestrial habitat, and the other is aquatic habitat. Terrestrial habitat refers to all the ecosystems of the land; it is characterized by a dry and exposed environment with limited access to water.

It is thought that locomotion on land requires more energy as compared with locomotion in the aquatic environment. This ideology is supported by the evolutionary adaptations of mammals for colonizing land.

The mammals developed a four-chambered heart which enhanced the mechanism of circulation and helped in increasing oxygen supply to the body cells. The development of lungs favored the exchange of gases in the terrestrial environment and also enhanced cellular respiration.

Another adaptation of mammals that supported the high need for energy is the development of a stronger musculoskeletal system that facilitated locomotion.