What makes a bat considered mammal?

Bats are considered mammals due to several key characteristics they share with other mammals:

1. Hair or Fur: Bats have fur, which is a defining feature of mammals.

2. Mammary Glands: Female bats have mammary glands that produce milk to nourish their young.

3. Live Birth: Bats give birth to live young, unlike reptiles and birds which lay eggs.

4. Warm-blooded: Bats maintain a constant internal body temperature, unlike cold-blooded animals like reptiles.

5. Three Middle Ear Bones: Bats possess three tiny bones in their middle ear that are characteristic of mammals and help with hearing.

6. Specialized Teeth: Bats have specialized teeth adapted for their diet, which can range from fruit and insects to blood.

7. Diaphragm: Like other mammals, bats have a diaphragm, a muscle that aids in breathing.

While bats are unique for their ability to fly, these shared characteristics with other mammals firmly classify them as members of the Mammalia class.