In this Grade 7 Life Science lesson from Chapter 13, students learn that mammals are endotherms with diverse adaptations that allow them to survive in environments ranging from oceans and frozen tundra to tropical forests and cities. Students explore key characteristics of mammals, including their ability to produce milk for their young, and are introduced to vocabulary terms such as placenta and gestation. The lesson uses examples like whales, polar bears, and shrews to illustrate the wide range of sizes, habitats, and survival strategies found across nearly 5,000 mammal species.
Section 1
Mammals Adapt to Diverse Environments
Mammals survive in vastly different habitats from oceans to mountains to tropical forests. Their adaptations allow species like whales, goats, monkeys, and polar bears to thrive in specific environments.
Section 2
Animals Develop Mammalian Characteristics
Mammals share key traits while existing in many shapes and sizes. From tiny shrews to massive elephants, this vertebrate group includes familiar animals like mice, cows, humans, and even flying bats.
Section 3
Mammals Colonize Different Habitats
Some mammals like raccoons and skunks adapt to various environments including cities, while specialists like cheetahs and polar bears evolve features for specific habitats despite mammals having fewer than 5,000 species.
Section 4
Endotherms Maintain Body Temperature
Mammals function as endotherms, allowing them to stay active even in cold environments. This characteristic, along with milk production for young, helps mammals thrive across diverse climates worldwide.
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Section 1
Mammals Adapt to Diverse Environments
Mammals survive in vastly different habitats from oceans to mountains to tropical forests. Their adaptations allow species like whales, goats, monkeys, and polar bears to thrive in specific environments.
Section 2
Animals Develop Mammalian Characteristics
Mammals share key traits while existing in many shapes and sizes. From tiny shrews to massive elephants, this vertebrate group includes familiar animals like mice, cows, humans, and even flying bats.
Section 3
Mammals Colonize Different Habitats
Some mammals like raccoons and skunks adapt to various environments including cities, while specialists like cheetahs and polar bears evolve features for specific habitats despite mammals having fewer than 5,000 species.
Section 4
Endotherms Maintain Body Temperature
Mammals function as endotherms, allowing them to stay active even in cold environments. This characteristic, along with milk production for young, helps mammals thrive across diverse climates worldwide.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter