Mammals, a diverse group of warm-blooded animals, belong to the vertebrate class and are characterized by the presence of hair, three middle ear bones, and the production of milk for their young. They encompass a wide range of species, from placental mammals, such as humans and other primates, to marsupials, like kangaroos and opossums, and monotremes, including the egg-laying platypus.
Within this category, carnivores, like lions and tigers, feed on meat, while omnivores, such as bears and pigs, consume both plants and animals. Herbivores, including cows and deer, primarily feed on plants. Many mammals are terrestrial animals, inhabiting a variety of ecosystems, from forests to grasslands, while others, like whales and dolphins, are marine mammals, thriving in the world’s oceans.
The mammalian class is incredibly diverse, with over 5,000 species, ranging from the tiny bumblebee bat to the massive blue whale. Primates, rodents, and other mammalian groups exhibit unique characteristics, adaptations, and behaviors, underscoring the complexity and richness of animal classification in zoology.
As an integral part of wildlife and fauna, mammals play vital roles in maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity. By exploring and learning about these fascinating creatures, we can better appreciate the intricate relationships within ecosystems and work towards preserving the natural world.
The herd of giraffes is called a tower. Cows and subadults form breeding herds of 425 individuals, and although large herds may exist, they are rare. A herd of 239 was recorded in the Serengeti and herds of 48 and 68 in the Kruger National Park. A herd is defined as a group in which …
Neck and limb stretches in Giraffes require an unusual cardiovascular and respiratory system. The physiological adaptations of the circulatory system have been studied in detail by many. The hydrostatic pressure exerted by gravity on the column of blood in the neck, the heart is about 2m away from the head; necessitates an average systemic blood …
Western gorillas are endemic to western central Africa where they live; Gorilla g. gorilla is distributed over six or seven countries from south of Sanaga R. south through S. Cameroon, SW Central African Republic, mainland Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni/Mbini), and Gabon, into extreme N. Angola (Cabinda enclave) to Congo R., and east into W. Congo …
Due to its large size, the gorilla has only two major predators. Humans are by far the main predator of G. gorilla, killing animals for their meat, and body parts and in retaliation for damage to crops. Leopards are important predators at some sites, with G. gorilla accounting for 4–9% of biomass consumed. Gorilla gorilla, …
Giraffes breed all year round, although peak births have been observed in many populations including Nairobi N.P. in Kenya- August and September, Waza N.P. in Cameroon (November-January when acacia blooms, Serengeti N.P. (September ) and northern Namibia, December; Found at different times of the year in the same area (e.g. Kruger N. P.). Calving peaks …
The majority of western lowland gorillas are in Gabon and Congo. Their number in Gabon was estimated at between 28,000 and 42,000 in the early 1980s. Congo had a similar number in 1989–1990. Cameroon held ca. 15,000 gorillas in 1998. Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni/Mbini) supported >3000 G. g. gorilla in 2011. In 2009, the total …
If you like check out coloring pages of rhinos. Erzsebet FreyErzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri …
Erzsebet FreyErzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, …
The state has changed for better and for worse in recent years. The southern white rhinoceros was once widespread throughout southern Africa. They were almost wiped out by poachers in the 19th century, with less than 100 individuals surviving. In 1994, the IUCN classified the southern white rhinoceros as vulnerable, and because of a higher …
When in the water, Common Hippos lift their slit-like nostrils up on the surface to breathe, at intervals of up to 6 min. A reflex response ensures that the nostrils and ears are closed as soon as they come into contact with water. By lifting the head above the water level, the ears, eyes, and …