Chapter 2: Problem 10

How do mammals differ from reptiles?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Mammals primarily differ from reptiles in terms of body covering, temperature regulation, reproduction, feeding of offspring, skeletal structure, respiratory system, and heart structure. Mammals have hair or fur, are warm-blooded, give birth to live offspring, produce milk, have a single lower jaw bone and three middle ear bones, use a diaphragm for respiration, and possess a four-chambered heart. Reptiles have scales, are cold-blooded, lay eggs, do not produce milk, have a more primitive skeletal structure, lack a diaphragm for respiration, and typically have a three-chambered heart.

Step by step solution

1. Body Covering

Mammals have a body covering primarily made of hair or fur, which helps them maintain a constant body temperature and provides insulation against cold or heat. Reptiles, on the other hand, have scales made of keratin that forms a protective layer over their skin.

2. Body Temperature Regulation

Mammals are warm-blooded animals, which means they can maintain their body temperature regardless of the external environment. Reptiles are cold-blooded animals; their body temperature depends on the surrounding temperature. This is why reptiles often sunbathe to warm up their bodies or seek shelter to cool down.

3. Reproduction

Mammals reproduce through internal fertilization and give birth to live offspring (with the exception of egg-laying mammals like the platypus and echidna). Reptiles reproduce by laying eggs with leathery or hard shells, and most reptiles also reproduce through internal fertilization.

4. Feeding of Offspring

Mammals produce milk to nourish their offspring, which is a distinguishing characteristic of this animal class. Reptiles, on the other hand, do not produce milk and usually provide little or no parental care after their eggs are laid.

5. Skeletal Structure

Mammals have a unique skeletal structure that includes a single lower jaw bone and three middle ear bones (the malleus, incus, and stapes). Reptiles have a more primitive skeletal structure with multiple bones in their lower jaw and only one middle ear bone (the stapes).

6. Respiratory System

Mammals use their lungs to breathe, with a diaphragm muscle that aids in the efficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Reptiles also have lungs, but they lack a diaphragm and rely more on body movements or throat muscles for respiration.

7. Heart Structure

Mammals have a four-chambered heart that separates oxygen-rich blood from oxygen-poor blood, allowing for efficient circulation. Most reptiles have a three-chambered heart, which is less efficient at maintaining separation between oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood.

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How do mammals differ from reptiles?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Body Covering

2. Body Temperature Regulation

3. Reproduction

4. Feeding of Offspring

5. Skeletal Structure

6. Respiratory System

7. Heart Structure

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