Unique Mammalian

Characteristics:

Hair or Fur

Basic Structures of

Fur

Scale Patterns

Deer Mink

Caribou Elk Moose

Regulate Body Temperature:

Endotherms! Insulation Water Proofing

Protect skin from sunlight Camouflage Sense organ Defense

Functions of Fur

If the polar bear has clear fur, how

do they absorb sunlight for heat????

DARK SKIN COLOR TO

ABSORB HEAT!!

Hair is hollow to

provide insulation Heat is kept close

to the body

Insulation

Very soft, insulated

under coat which protects the outer layer of long guard hairs

The outer layer traps air to keep them dry and warm underwater

Water Proofing

Mammals have hair

to protect their skin from sunlight as well

If animals didn’t have fur/hair sun burning would occur

Sun protection

Mammals use their fur to

help them hide from predators

The snowshoe hare is white during the winter to help blend in with the snow, and brown during the spring/summer time to help blend in to the forest

Camouflage

The echidna has

sharp spines or quills to defend themselves from predators

Defense

Porcupine Quills will release

from body when another animal attacks

Defense

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiM3PSH_9PJAhUCSSYKHUiSA0wQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.khq.com%2Fstory%2F26657699%2Fphotos-what-to-do-if-your-dog-picks-a-fight-with-a-porcupine&psig=AFQjCNEZ-_6pl3w3oORc0qN6rOU4pYzf2g&ust=1449929653794597

Warning Coloration!

Many mammals have

whiskers Used as a sensory

organ when sight can not be used to navigate

Sensory Organ

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=vWuuzN6rziYCKM&tbnid=hM0GVpVItnqgqM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=74880&ei=jQF5UuG0FvKxsATxl4HgDA&bvm=bv.55980276,d.cWc&psig=AFQjCNHZK7Lo_tfIxaB29MQbXw2rEWzXtQ&ust=1383748097449270

1. Name 3 functions of mammal

fur/hair.2. Explain a defense

mechanism using fur/hair. 3. Name a specific “modified”

hair.

Review!!!