Marvelous Mammals

Summary
An introduction to the shared characteristics of all mammals and the defining characteristics of the three major mammalian groups.

Objectives
• Students will identify characteristics shared by all mammals.

• Students will recognize characteristics of the three major mammalian groups.

Suggested Grades
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Excerpt
Being mammals, we humans should have a special interest in this group. There are many characteristics that we share with other mammals. Mammals are named for the presence of mammary glands which mothers use to produce milk and nourish their young. Another characteristic of mammals is hair. Like the feathers of birds or the scales of reptiles, hair is made of keratin.

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