imettäjät

Imettäjät refers to a Finnish term that translates to "mammals" in English. This broad biological classification encompasses all animals that belong to the class Mammalia. A defining characteristic of mammals is the presence of mammary glands, which are used by females to produce milk to nourish their offspring. This is the etymological origin of the term "imettäjät," stemming from the Finnish verb "imetä," meaning "to suckle" or "to nurse."

Beyond mammary glands, mammals share several other key traits. They are warm-blooded, meaning they can regulate their own body temperature internally. Most mammals have hair or fur covering their bodies, which provides insulation. They also possess a diaphragm, a muscular sheet that aids in breathing, and typically have a more complex brain structure compared to other vertebrates.

The class Mammalia is incredibly diverse, found in nearly every habitat on Earth, from the deep oceans to arid deserts and dense forests. Examples of imettäjät range from the familiar domestic cat and dog to large marine animals like whales and dolphins, flying creatures like bats, and diverse groups such as rodents, primates, and ungulates. Reproduction in mammals is also varied, though most give birth to live young, with the notable exception of monotremes (like the platypus and echidna) which lay eggs. The common thread remains the nurturing of newborns through lactation.