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Stuff Every Mammal Study Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Mammal Study merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Mammal Study Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Weather and Water

What does a mammal's larynx control?

Short answer: Pitch and volume of sound

The larynx controls pitch and volume, while lungs supply the air stream.

Groan of the day: That larynx really hits the right note.

Sources: Mammal

Which order includes bats?

Short answer: Chiroptera

Chiroptera is the order of bats, the second most species-rich mammal order.

Groan of the day: Bats hang out in Chiroptera.

Sources: Mammal

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • The scientific name Mammalia comes from Latin mamma, meaning teat or breast.
  • Mammals have a chain of three middle ear bones: malleus, incus, and stapes.
  • Hair is a definitive characteristic of mammals, though some have very little.
  • Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly; others only glide.
  • Most mammals have seven neck vertebrae; manatees and sloths are exceptions.
  • The five monotreme species, the platypus and echidnas, lay eggs.
  • The placenta lets the fetus draw nutrition from the mother during gestation.
  • Mammalogy is the study of mammals; ornithology covers birds.
  • Rodentia, the gnawing mammals, is the most species-rich order.
  • Fur's primary job is thermoregulation, though it also helps with camouflage and sensing.
  • Carnivorous mammals have carnassial teeth plus long canines for a meat diet.
  • Artiodactyls have four stomach sections: rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What does the word mammal come from, referring to milk-producing body parts?
    • Latin mamma for breast
    • Greek ther for beast
    • Latin pilus for hair
    Show the answer

    Latin mamma for breast. The scientific name Mammalia comes from Latin mamma, meaning teat or breast.

  2. What kind of teeth do most carnivorous mammals have for shearing meat?
    • Continuously growing incisors
    • Carnassial teeth
    • Flat grinding molars
    Show the answer

    Carnassial teeth. Carnivorous mammals have carnassial teeth plus long canines for a meat diet.

  3. What is the process called when a young mammal stops depending on milk?
    • Molting
    • Hibernating
    • Weaning
    Show the answer

    Weaning. Weaning is when a mammal becomes less dependent on milk and more on solid food.

  4. What is the thick insulating layer called in marine mammals like whales?
    • Blubber
    • Bark
    • Down
    Show the answer

    Blubber. Marine mammals need a thick hypodermis, or blubber, for insulation.

  5. What kind of teeth do grazing animals that eat hard grasses have?
    • No teeth
    • High-crowned teeth
    • Low-crowned teeth
    Show the answer

    High-crowned teeth. Grazers have high-crowned teeth that grind tough grasses and wear down slowly.

Now make it stick

Read a chapter, then play the deck and see how much stuck.

This guide covers the 50 free cards. The other 9 are in the game for members.

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