Belonging to the Class *Mammalia*, what are three general traits that characterize the walrus as part of this group?
Answer
Warm-bloodedness, hair, and nursing their young
The classification of *Odobenus rosmarus* into the Class *Mammalia* signifies that it possesses the defining biological characteristics of that group. These essential traits include maintaining a relatively stable warm-blooded internal temperature (endothermy), the presence of hair or fur covering the body to some degree, and, crucially, the ability to nourish their young post-birth via lactation through specialized mammary glands. These characteristics clearly distinguish them from earlier vertebrate classes.
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