Chapter 3: Problem 10

How do mammals differ from reptiles?

Short Answer

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Mammals and reptiles differ in various aspects, such as body temperature regulation, skin type, reproduction, skeletal and respiratory systems, and other characteristics. Mammals are warm-blooded, have fur or hair-covered skin, give birth to live young and nourish them with milk, possess a diaphragm and a four-chambered heart, and have more complex brains and specialized teeth. In contrast, reptiles are cold-blooded, have scaly skin, typically lay eggs, lack a diaphragm and have a three-chambered heart (except for crocodiles), and possess simpler teeth and less developed brains.

Step by step solution

1. Body Temperature Regulation #

Mammals are considered warm-blooded animals, meaning they can regulate their body temperature internally. This allows them to maintain a stable temperature regardless of the external environment. In contrast, reptiles are cold-blooded animals, meaning they rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature, often basking in the sun or seeking shade to maintain the desired temperature. This fundamental difference has several implications for their respective lifestyles, including activity levels, habitats, and behavior.

2. Skin Type #

Another significant difference between mammals and reptiles is the type of skin they possess. Mammals have skin that is typically covered in fur or hair, providing insulation and helping regulate body temperature. Reptiles, on the other hand, have scaly skin, which provides protection but does not offer the same insulation properties as fur. This is another reason why reptiles must rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature.

3. Reproduction #

Mammals give birth to live young, with the exception of monotremes (platypus and echidnas), which lay eggs. After birth, mammal offspring are usually nourished with milk produced by the mother's mammary glands. Conversely, reptiles typically lay eggs, although some species give birth to live young. Reptiles do not provide milk for their offspring, and the young are generally more independent from an early stage in their development.

4. Skeletal and Respiratory System #

Mammals present a diaphragm, a muscular membrane that divides the thoracic and abdominal cavities and plays a crucial role in respiration. Additionally, mammals have a double-loop circulatory system with a four-chambered heart, allowing for efficient oxygenation of the blood. Reptiles lack a diaphragm and have a three-chambered heart (except for crocodiles, which have a four-chambered heart). This results in a less efficient circulatory and respiratory system compared to mammals.

5. Other Characteristics #

There are several other traits that differentiate mammals and reptiles. Mammals have a higher and more complex brain development than reptiles, which is reflected in their increased cognitive abilities and social behaviors. Additionally, mammal ears typically possess three inner ear bones (auditory ossicles) to conduct sound, while reptiles have only one. Finally, mammals generally have specialized teeth adapted for various functions, such as cutting, grinding, and tearing, while reptiles generally have a simpler set of teeth that are mostly uniform in shape and function.

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How do mammals differ from reptiles?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Body Temperature Regulation #

2. Skin Type #

3. Reproduction #

4. Skeletal and Respiratory System #

5. Other Characteristics #

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