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
Many mammals have
whiskers Used as a sensory
organ when sight can not be used to navigate
Sensory Organ
1. Name 3 functions of mammal
fur/hair.2. Explain a defense
mechanism using fur/hair. 3. Name a specific “modified”
hair.
Review!!!