Introducing mammals

Mammals come in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes, and yet all species have some characteristics in common. These similarities justify the inclusion of all such diverse types within the single taxonomic group (or class) called the Mammalia. This free course, Introducing mammals, offers a starting point for the study of mammals. It will establish their rich diversity, while highlighting the common features that define the group.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• 1 Defining mammals
• 1 Defining mammals
• 2 Mammalian diversity
• 2 Mammalian diversity
• 2.1 Living mammals
• 2.1.1 Monotremes
• 2.1.2 Marsupials
• 2.1.3 Placentals
• 3 The monotremes
• 3 The monotremes
• 3.1 How should we think of monotremes?
• 4 Reproduction in marsupials
• 4 Reproduction in marsupials
• 5 Milk production (lactation)
• 5 Milk production (lactation)
• 5.1 Fat content of milk
• 5.2 Lactation in marsupials
• 6 Metabolism and body temperature
• 6 Metabolism and body temperature
• 6.1 Warm-blooded vs cold-blooded
• 6.2 Metabolism
• 6.3 Heat from metabolism
• 6.3.1 Comparing endothermic mammals with an ectotherm
• 6.3.2 Endotherms compared with an ectotherm under natural conditions
• 6.4 Coping with heat
• 7 Thermoregulation and mammalian fur
• 7 Thermoregulation and mammalian fur
• 8 What’s special about placental mammals?
• 8 What’s special about placental mammals?
• 9 Studying mammals: a case study – platypus burrows
• 9 Studying mammals: a case study – platypus burrows
• Conclusion
• References
• Acknowledgements