Mammals are characterized by several distinct features that set them apart from other animals. They possess hair or fur at some point in their life, have mammary glands that produce milk to nourish their young, and they typically give birth to live young rather than laying eggs, with the exception of monotremes like the platypus [1][4][6]. Additionally, mammals have three bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, and stapes), a diaphragm that aids in breathing, and a four-chambered heart for efficient circulation [3][4][6].

Mammals are warm-blooded (endothermic), allowing them to maintain a constant body temperature regardless of external conditions [3][6]. They also exhibit a variety of adaptations, such as specialized teeth and lungs with alveoli for efficient gas exchange [6] and the absence of nuclei in mature red blood cells [4].

What are the characteristics of mammals?

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