mammals
UK: ˈmæm.əlz | US: ˈmæm.əlz
n. Warm-blooded vertebrate animals characterized by the presence of mammary glands (which produce milk for feeding young), hair or fur, and typically giving birth to live young (except monotremes).
mammals = mamm<breast> + al<relating to> + s<plural suffix>
- mamm (from Latin mamma meaning "breast" or "udder")
- al (Latin-derived suffix indicating "relating to" or "pertaining to")
- s (plural marker in English)
Etymology Origin:
The term mammal originates from the Latin mammalis, derived from mamma ("breast"), reflecting the defining feature of the class: mammary glands for nursing offspring. Coined by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, it replaced earlier terms like Quadrupedia to emphasize this unique trait. The word’s evolution mirrors scientific focus on biological classification based on shared characteristics.
Humans, whales, and bats are all classified as mammals.
Mammals regulate their body temperature internally, unlike reptiles.
The fossil record shows early mammals coexisted with dinosaurs.
Marine mammals like dolphins have adapted to life in water.
Mammals play a crucial role in many ecosystems as predators and herbivores.