The class name for mammals is what?

• A. Mammalia
• B. Reptilia
• C. Aves
• D. Amphibia

Answer: (A)

Biological classification uses a hierarchical system, and the class is one level within that system. The animals that are mammals belong to the class Mammalia. This class is defined by key features such as hair or fur, mammary glands to feed the young, and three middle ear bones, which distinguish mammals from other vertebrate groups. The other groups correspond to different classes with their own distinct traits: reptiles have scaly skin and are typically cold-blooded; birds have feathers and beaks; amphibians life cycles often involve a aquatic stage and metamorphosis. Understanding that Mammalia is the formal class name helps you place all mammals together based on shared mammalian characteristics.