Classification among Mammals Mammals are a very large category of animals, with 5000 species in 26 orders.

The most prominent way in which this large group is sub-categorized, is by the embryonic development of each group. These groups are Montremes, Marsupials, and Placental mammals. The most primitive method of development for mammals is conducted by the Montremes, a group of mammals which lays eggs. There are very few surviving decedents of this group which includes the Australian platypus. Although laying eggs is similar to reptiles and birds, the embryonic development of Montremes is quite different. The egg develops in-utero for about 28 days, with only 10 days of external incubation. This is the opposite of most birds or reptiles who have a short in-utero development and longer incubation time. Marsupials do not lay eggs; instead they give live birth to their young. Unlike placental mammals, marsupials have a very short gestation period. They give birth very early to an essentially helpless embryo that is in great need of nutrients. The baby will climb into the pouch of the mother and will grab onto the nipples with its mouth. The baby will continue to develop and based on the species, this can last a few weeks or several months. A common example of a marsupial would be the kangaroo. The final group of placental mammals also gives birth to live young but these young have been nourished before birth in the mothers uterus. The embryo is nourished by a placenta (which is also present in marsupials, but it is limited) which acts as a link between the mother and the embryo. There are over 4000 described species of placental mammals, some of which include humans, dogs, elephants, bats, and whales.

Anatomical differences between Prey and Predator It is commonly said that in the animal kingdom, there are two way to live, eat or be eaten. Here we will take a look at what characteristics classify the two groups, those who are eaten, prey, and those who eat, predators. Generally speaking, prey are built for strength, support, and speed. These traits have specifically been chosen over time to give the prey the best chance to escape its predator. On the other hand, predators are built for flexibility so there is great room for variety in hunting methods. The specific anatomical differences between the two groups of mammals can be found in 4 main areas of the body, the head, the back, the limbs, and the feet. Two key features which distinguish prey and predator on the head are eyes and teeth. In prey, eyes are set sideways in the skull for good peripheral vision, used to watch for potential predators. The teeth are mostly flat molars for grinding and incisors for cutting plants. In predators, the eyes are set forward in the skull which allows for easier location and tracking of prey. The teeth of predators are also different with the addition of sharp canines for ripping and tearing. There is also a significant difference in a vital part of the mammalian body, the spine. In predators, the vertebrae are quite small in order to allow for flexibility. Whereas with the prey have vertebrae with large processes for stability. The differences between predators and prey are highlighted in the differences between the limbs. The prey has long thick bones to bear weight and allow for speed. The prey also have limited rotation during movement in the radius and ulna to allow for better support; while their fewer and smaller bones at the ends of the limbs facilitates faster movement. The final major difference between prey and predator is regarding their feet. The predator generally has 5 separate digits and are digitigrades (move on digits for speed and agility) while prey have only 1-3 digits and are unguligrades (move using only tips of digits for speed).

Variety of Movement in Mammals The immense diversity of mammals calls for great variety in how each group adjusts to its environment. Over time, this adjustment has allowed for more than 30 different types of locomotion. These can all generally be classified in one of 6 groups. Although this is not classified as its own group, almost all land dwelling mammals are capable of walking. This is often subcategorized into our first group, running. Animals that run generally have long, narrow bones for speed and agility. Common examples of animals which fall under this group are horses and cats. Another common method of movement, associated with mammals, is swinging. This is generally specific to primates, such as gibbons. These animals have a strong clavicle and long forelimbs. They are also known to retain the tail as an extra appendage for swinging. When one thinks of marsupials such as kangaroos, the first movement that comes to mind is jumping. This is the third group. Animals in this group have strong hind limbs and small forelimbs; these animals also retain the tail, but for balance. Another mode of locomotion for mammals is swimming. Some mammals spend their whole lives under water, such as whales, but others, like the seal, go underwater simply to hunt. These mammals have short, thick bones and shorter forelimbs for flippers. Their hind limbs are very small or not visible. The fifth mode of movement is digging. There are quite a few mammals which must dig underground for safety or in order to cool down. An example of these animals would be moles. These animals have short, thick bones for strong forelimbs. The final type of movement is often forgotten when discussing mammals, it is flying. Mammals that fly, such as bats, have very lightweight bones in order to allow for flight. What is more, these animals also need elongated forelimbs and strong clavicles to support flight.

True owls have over 190 species with 23 genera. They are one of the most distinct birds. What is more, they are found on every continent other than Antarctica. Of these birds, there are sub-categories which allow scientists to further distinguish the species. For example, the tiny elf owl is barely a foot in length but the Eurasian Eagle Owl has a very large and bulky frame.