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Unique Mammalian Characteristics:. Hair or Fur. Basic Structures of Fur. Scale Patterns. Deer Mink. Caribou Elk Moose. Functions of Fur.
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Unique Mammalian Characteristics: Hair or Fur
Scale Patterns Deer Mink Caribou Elk Moose
Functions of Fur • Regulate Body Temperature: Endotherms! • Insulation • Water Proofing • Protect skin from sunlight • Camouflage • Sense organ • Defense
If the polar bear has clear fur, how do they absorb sunlight for heat????
Insulation • Hair is hollow to provide insulation • Heat is kept close to the body
Water Proofing • Very soft, insulated under coat which protects the outer layer of long guard hairs • The outer layer traps air to keep them dry and warm underwater
Sun protection • Mammals have hair to protect their skin from sunlight as well • If animals didn’t have fur/hair sun burning would occur
Camouflage • Mammals use their fur to help them hide from predators • The snowshoe hare is white during the winter to help blend in with the snow, and brown during the spring/summer time to help blend in to the forest
Defense • The echidna has sharp spines or quills to defend themselves from predators • Quills will release from body when another animal attacks
Sensory Organ • Many mammals have whiskers coming out from their snout • Used as a sensory organ to feel around when sight can not be used to navigate food
Journal # 3 Review!!!2/6/14 • Name 3 functions of mammal fur/hair. • Explain a defense mechanism using fur/hair. • Name a specific “modified” hair.