State four features that distinguish mammals from all other vertebrate classes.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 1.2 Concept and use of a classification system · State · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Mammals have hair or fur on the body
Mammals have mammary glands to feed young with milk
Mammals produce live young rather than laying eggs
Mammals are homoiothermic (warm‑blooded, maintain a constant internal body temperature)

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms from the mark scheme (hair/fur, mammary glands, live young, homoiothermic).
  • Keep each feature as a separate short sentence to match the 4‑mark structure.
  • Avoid extra words or explanations that could reduce clarity.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Mammals have hair or fur on the body
  2. Mammals have mammary glands (to feed young with milk)
  3. Mammals produce live young (rather than laying eggs)
  4. Mammals are homoiothermic (warm-blooded / maintain a constant internal body temperature)

Key terms in this question

mammals

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