Glossary

Deutsch: Säugetier / Español: Mammalia / Português: Mamíferos / Français: Mammifère / Italiano: Anatomia dei mammiferi
Mammals (class Mammalia ) are a clade of endothermic amniotes. Among the features that distinguish them from the other amniotes, the reptiles and the birds, are hair, three middle ear bones, mammary glands in females, and a neocortex (a region of the brain). The mammalian brain regulates body temperature and the circulatory system, including the four-chambered heart. The mammals include the largest animals on the planet, the rorqual whales, as well as some of the most intelligent, such as elephants, some primates and some cetaceans.

In an industrial context, the term "mammal" usually refers to a domesticated animal, such as a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, or dog, that is kept for agricultural purposes or as a pet. These animals are commonly used for their milk, meat, wool, leather, or as draft animals. Here are some examples:

• Cows are kept for their milk and meat, as well as their leather, which is used to make products such as shoes, belts, and wallets.

• Sheep are kept for their wool, which is used to make clothing and textiles.

• Pigs are kept for their meat, which is consumed as bacon, ham, and pork chops.

• Horses are used for riding and as draft animals for farm work.

• Dogs are kept as pets, but also for herding livestock, hunting, and for security purposes.

Note: In this context, the term "mammal" specifically refers to domesticated animals and does not include wild mammals, such as deer or bears.