Do other animals besides mammals have fur?

You're right to think about fur! While mammals are the only animals that have true fur, there are some other animals that have similar coverings that might seem like fur.

Here's a breakdown:

Animals with True Fur:

* Mammals: This group includes all the animals that have fur as their primary body covering. Think of cats, dogs, bears, humans, and even whales (they have fur as babies!).

Animals with Similar Coverings:

* Birds: Some birds, like penguins and puffins, have dense feathers that give them a fur-like appearance. However, these are feathers, not fur.

* Insects: Some insects, like caterpillars, have hairs that cover their bodies. These aren't true fur, but rather modified hairs.

* Reptiles: Some lizards, like the Bearded Dragon, have scales that can feel a bit like fur, but they are still scales, not fur.

Key Differences:

* Fur: Fur is made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails. It's a specific type of hair that's soft and often insulates the animal.

* Feathers: Feathers are also made of keratin but have a different structure and purpose. They're primarily for flight, but also for insulation.

* Hairs: Insect hairs are also made of keratin but are often thinner and more brittle than mammalian fur.

* Scales: Scales are made of keratin but are flat and overlapping, unlike fur.

So, while other animals have coverings that might look or feel like fur, only mammals have true fur!