Chapter 35, Problem 10STP

Summary Introduction

To write:

The two benefits to the young of mammals in receiving milk from their mothers.

Introduction:

Mammals are animals with hair and mammary glands. Young mammals are fed milk from their mother's special mammary glands. In addition to these characteristic milk glands, mammals are characterized by a number of other distinctive features. Hair is a typical mammalian trait, although it has disappeared in many whales. The lower mammalian jaw is clamped directly to the skull instead through a separate bone (quadrate) as in all other vertebrates.

Explanation of Solution

The mammary gland is one of the most distinguishing traits of mammals. The two benefits to the young of mammals in receiving milk from their mothers’ are-

1. The milk nourishes the developing young. Milk is the main food source for newborn mammals before they can digest other food types. It contains many other nutrients, including protein and lactose. The young ones that receive milk have less chance of malnutrition as the milk will contain the entire nutrient.

2. Early milk contains colostrum that carries the antibodies of the mother to the young and can decrease the risk of many diseases.

Conclusion

Thus, the milk of mammals keeps their young ones healthy. Milk nourishes the developing young and protects the young ones from many diseases.