Mammals are a class of vertebrates (beings with backbones) characterized by warm-blood, which allows them to live in almost every climate, hairy bodies, a four-chambered heart, a single jaw bone, sweat glands and - in females - mammary glands for suckling young. Some mammals, such as naked mole rats and whales have lost some or all of their hair. Almost all mammals give birth to live young, but there are a few that lay eggs. These are known as monotremes, and include the platypus. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Mammal

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There are more than 4,000 species of mammals, with the smallest being the hog-nosed bat and the largest being the blue whale. Here are the common characteristics of all mammals:

1. They are warm-blooded. This helps them regulate their body temperatures to live in a wide variety of climates.
2. Hairy bodies: even naked mole rats and dolphins have hair! They just have significantly less of it.
​3. Milk: mother mammals are equipped with mammary glands to produce milk to feed their young. This is both a bonding and learning process for the young with their mothers.
4. All mammals have vertebrae (backbones).

http://kids.sandiegozoo.org/animals/mammals
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Words to Know

Mammary Gland Modified sweat glands that produce and secrete milk. Only mammals can produce milk.
Diaphram A sheet of muscle behind the lungs that separates the chest cavity from the cavity. It serves to expand the chest during inhalation, drawing more oxygen in to the lungs.
Three Types of Mammals Placental, pouched, and monotremes
Monotreme Has hair and mammary glands, yet lays eggs. Found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea 
Placental Gives birth to young that have developed in the mother's uterus. 
Gestation The time during which the placental mammal develops in the uterus.
Pouched (Marsupials) Develop for a short period of time in the mother's body and are born underdeveloped. Upon birth, a second development occurs in a pouch outside of the mother's body.
Glands Description of the word data data. Groups of cells that secrete fluids.
Endothermic Warm-blooded.
Ectothermic Cold-blooded

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Additional Resources

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is premier provider of interactive science learning experiences which enrich the lives of children and adults, enhance the quality of life in our community, and promote a broad understanding of the world, located in Dayton, Ohio.
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The Ohio Wildlife Center, located in Columbus, Ohio, is an interactive education center for children and adults and is an active rehabilitation and rehoming center for local wildlife.
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The Encyclopedia of Life is a vast online resources for all things living on Earth.

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National Geographic is an online and in-print resource for all things animal and life-related!
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