The source of energy for mammals is ... What is the main source of energy for newborn mammals?

Class mammals have long been a leading position among all animals. Its representatives have the most progressive features of the structure of all systems of organs, including the digestive system. Eating from the time of birth is the most important condition for their existence and distribution.

Who are mammalian animals?

The mammal class unites all representatives of the chord type, which feed their young with milk. And it does not matter at all whether this representative is a small field mouse or a giant African elephant. At birth, the source of energy of mammals is milk.

Eating from the first minutes after birth occurs in these animals with the help of specialized mammary glands. In their origin they are mutated by sweat.

In primitive mammals, such as the platypus and echidna, they are very weakly developed and open outward with special pores. These animals have more in common with their ancestors - birds. First of all, this is the presence of a cloaca - a specialized hole in which the products are secreted by the sexual, digestive and excretory systems. At marsupials - kangaroos, koalas, wombata - ducts with milk open into the skin fold. It is in it that the baby spends the first time after birth, licking the valuable product directly from the skin. Since the placenta in these animals is poorly developed, they are born small, nonviable, blind, naked and not capable of independent existence.

Very different, the higher mammals are born. They are quite well developed, many are able to move themselves after birth.

Such different heterotrophs

The source of energy of mammals is a number of ready-made organic substances, namely proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Therefore they, like all representatives of the animal world, are heterotrophs. This they radically differ from plants that can convert ultraviolet radiation into carbohydrates. But it is also necessary for heterotrophs.

Scientists have long conducted a series of experiments that determine why sunlight is needed for animals. It is the signal for the beginning of molting, hibernation, seasonal migration, the formation of sex hormones. With the increase in the duration of the light day, the process of appearance of the prolific progeny of mammals begins.

Predators

The source of energy of mammals is ready food. But it enters the body in different ways. Thus, predatory animals attack and sacrifice their prey themselves.

For this purpose, there are a number of structural features: strong muscles, sharp claws and powerful teeth. One molar tooth on each side of the jaw becomes a so-called predatory tooth. This is a modified molar tooth, which due to its large size and sharp edge can even violate the integrity of the victim's bones. Animal food is rich in proteins and fats. Therefore, the energy received from its consumption is enough for a long time.

The methods of extracting food of this group of animals differ substantially. Some drive the victim, until all of its forces are not running out. Others attack prey suddenly. And they also succeed.

Predators differ in the way they exist. For example, lions and wolves prefer to live and hunt in packs. Bears like to be alone.

Herbivores

But the source of energy of mammals is ready food, which can be obtained and not by such a "bloody" way. Very many representatives of the animal world prefer products of vegetable origin. It is rich in valuable fiber - a natural carbohydrate. For example, rodents lay seeds of cereals for storage. And ruminant animals regurgitate partially chewed grass and only then absorb the substances. The difficulty is only one thing. Such food is low-calorie. Herbivores have to eat it a lot and constantly be in search of food. In conditions of a temperate climatic zone, its availability also depends on the season. And predators constantly strive to grab the poor herbivores. But for protection they also have a number of features. First of all, these are strong hooves and horns. But most often these animals are helped by fast legs. Therefore, they prefer not to engage in an unequal battle with the enemy, but rather to hide.

Competition

As you know, the resources of the environment are rather limited. Therefore, mammals have to fight for food, the habitat, the availability of shelters and sexual partners. As a result, competition arises between individuals of one or different species. Naturally, in this struggle the strongest wins. As a result, natural selection takes place, which is one of the driving forces of evolutionary transformation. With this theory, many argue. But research scientists have shown that animals that live within the same range, over time acquire significant differences in color, structure of teeth and many organs.

Nutrition: proteins, fats, carbohydrates

Organic substances that enter the body of mammals, along with food, undergo a number of changes there. Fats as an energy source are the most caloric substances. In the stomach, they are split to glycerol and fatty acids. In this case, twice as much energy is released as compared with similar transformation of other organic substances.

An important component of the diet of mammals are proteins. Being the basis of any animal organism, they perform construction, energy, storing and protective function. Components of proteins are amino acids. Scientists have proved that some of them are irreplaceable. This means that these substances can not be synthesized in the body, but only enter into it together with animal food.

Carbohydrates begin to be split already in the oral cavity with the help of salivary gland enzymes. Different types of sugars are necessary for the metabolism of the body.

Drink, children, milk!

The composition of milk in different species of mammals varies within fairly large limits. But those cubs, which very quickly after birth double their own weight, eat a product, especially a rich protein. Such milk is produced by rabbits, deer, pigs, buffalo and sheep. The carbohydrate of lactose, which is necessary for the development and growth of a small organism, is isolated by goats and cows. Rich in milk and minerals. This is a real storehouse of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron. And a vitamin cocktail. Riboflavin, ascorbic acid, retinol, thiamin - this is not a complete list of valuable substances. Therefore, milk has long been considered not only a tasty, but also a useful product, so necessary for the growing organism of a small calf.