What crucial trait defines the water vole's placement in Class Mammalia?

Answer

Maintenance of a constant, warm-blooded body temperature

The Class Mammalia is characterized by several unique traits that separate these animals from reptiles, birds, and amphibians. Among the most significant defining traits is endothermy, which means maintaining a constant, warm-blooded internal body temperature regardless of external conditions. This thermal regulation requires high metabolic rates and is supported by possessing hair or fur covering the body, which acts as insulation. Additionally, another hallmark feature is the presence of mammary glands, specialized structures used by females to produce milk to nurse their altricial or precocial young. Water voles, being placental mammals, further develop their young internally via a placenta before live birth.

What crucial trait defines the water vole's placement in Class Mammalia?

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taxonomyanimalmammalclassificationVole