There are actually several different characteristics of mammals that do set them apart from any other type of animal out there today. Here are a few of those characteristics to be aware of.
Characteristic #1 - Females Product Milk - First of all, one of the defining characteristics of mammals is that the females actually produce milk for their babies. Females that are mammals have a special sweat gland that has been modified, and when they go through pregnancy, they begin to product milk for their young.
Characteristic #2 - Fur or Hair - Another one of the defining characteristics of mammals is that they at some time will have some type of fur or hair during the existence, although they don't necessarily have to have hair or fur for their entire life. This is yet another characteristic that is unlike any other type of animal out there today.
Characteristic #3 - Single Lower Jaw Bone - You'll also find that another characteristic that sets the mammals apart from other animals is that they only have a single lower jaw bone. You'll find that all other animals have multiple bones in their lower jaw, which gives it a different appearance. So, this is another important characteristic that you should be aware of.
Characteristic #4 - A Diaphragm - When it comes to characteristics of mammals, you'll find that mammals all have a diaphragm as well. This is a very thin muscle that actually separates off the lower abdomen and the upper abdomen from each other.
Characteristic #5 - Unique Heart - Last of all, you'll find that mammals have a very unique heart as well. They are the only animals that have one big artery that leaves the heart by going to the left. Most animals have one main artery going in another direction or they have a variety of different arteries that are leaving the heart.
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