A Project Guide to Mammals

Book excerpt: Mammals have spread to almost every habitat on the planet and can be found on land, in the sea, and in the air. What do these animals have in common with each other and us? How do they adapt to their environments? Which mammals live near you? Scientists answer such questions through observation and experimentation—and so can you. You can create a system to classify mammal groups, compare and contrast other mammals’ body systems with your own, discover how mammals overcome seasonal challenges such as snow, set up an observation station to watch the mammals in your neighborhood, and conduct a scientific census to determine their numbers. Whether for a school science fair or just for fun, these projects will help you better understand the diverse, magnificent creatures that are our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.