Classifying Mammals

Book excerpt: What makes a mammal a mammal? How is a lion different from a dolphin? What is a primate? Classifying Living Things investigates how and why we group animals. Each book focuses on a particular class of living things, looking at the key characteristics that set its members apart from those of other classes. Discover how classes of living things have evolved, and how species have adapted to suit their environments. Find out why certain animals may show some characteristics of a particular class, but actually belong to another. 'Classifying Mammals' looks at the amazing class of furry, milk-drinking animals. Find out how mammals are grouped into orders and how each one is different from the rest. From aardvarks to zebras, from giant elephants to tiny shrews, discover what makes mammals so special.