In two sentences, explain how cats and dogs, both mammals, could be classified as distinct animals. What characteristics set them apart from one another?
Cats and dogs are distinct animals due to their differences in social behavior, physical characteristics, and hunting techniques. Cats are solitary hunters with retractable claws and a strong sense of independence, while dogs are pack animals with non-retractable claws and a strong sense of loyalty and social hierarchy.
Snails and beetles have exoskeletons. Hypothesize the advantages and disadvantages of having an exoskeleton rather than a backbone. Explain your answer in two sentences.
Having an exoskeleton provides protection against predators and physical damage, as well as support for muscles and organs. However, the rigidity of an exoskeleton can limit growth potential and flexibility compared to having a backbone that allows for growth and agility.
Vertebrates include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Analyze the common characteristics of reptiles and explain how they differ from mammals. Explain your answer in two sentences.
Reptiles share common characteristics such as having scales, cold-blooded metabolism, laying eggs, and breathing through lungs. In contrast, mammals have hair or fur, warm-blooded metabolism, give live birth, and generally nurse their young with milk produced by mammary glands.
