What is the Difference Between Mammal and Reptile?

The main differences between mammals and reptiles are:

1. Temperature regulation: Mammals are endothermic, meaning they can generate their own body heat and maintain a constant body temperature, while reptiles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature fluctuates according to the environment.
2. Skin: Mammals have an epidermis covered with hair, while reptiles have an epidermis covered with scales.
3. Heart: Most reptiles have a three-chambered heart, while all mammals have a four-chambered heart.
4. Respiration: Reptiles have lungs, while mammals have a diaphragm for respiration.
5. Metabolic rate: Mammals have a high metabolic rate, while reptiles have a low metabolic rate.
6. Reproduction: Mammals give birth to live young and nourish them with milk, while reptiles lay eggs and abandon their young after hatching.
7. Teeth: Mammals have specialized teeth and grow only two sets of teeth in their lifetime, while reptiles have uniform teeth that continually replace themselves.
8. Brain: Mammals have an expanded brain case with a larger anterior brain (cerebrum), while reptiles have a small brain case.
9. Senses: Mammals have three middle ear bones (malleus, incus, stapes), while reptiles have a single middle ear bone.

Despite these differences, mammals and reptiles share some common traits, such as being vertebrates, tetrapods, and amniotes, which means they have a backbone, a four-legged body plan, and the ability to reproduce away from water due to internal fertilization.

Comparative Table: Mammal vs Reptile

Here is a table comparing the differences between mammals and reptiles:

Mammals and reptiles are two classes of animals belonging to the phylum Chordata. Mammals are warm-blooded animals with hair or fur covering their bodies, while reptiles are cold-blooded animals with scales. Mammals have a four-chambered heart and a diaphragm for respiration, while reptiles have a three-chambered heart and no diaphragm. Mammals give birth to live young and care for them, while reptiles lay eggs.