Animal Characteristics

Shared Characteristics of Animals

Animals possess a range of common characteristics that distinguish them from other organisms. These include:

Sensory Organs

Animals have developed elaborate sensory organs, enabling them to perceive the environment and respond to stimuli.

Movement

Animals can move spontaneously, facilitating locomotion and survival in diverse habitats.

Internal Digestion

Most animals have an internal digestive system, allowing them to break down food and extract nutrients.

Distinctive Characteristics of Mammals

Mammals are a class of vertebrates that exhibit unique characteristics, including:

Mammary Glands

Mammary glands are specialized organs that produce milk to nourish offspring.

Hair

Mammals have hair or fur, which provides insulation and protection.

Warm-Blooded

Mammals are endothermic, meaning they can regulate their body temperature internally.

Other Characteristics

Other notable characteristics of animals include:

• A ball of cells in the early embryo that develops into a hollow ball or blastula
• Cell walls made of cellulose
• The ability to reproduce sexually