Female mammals are characterized by their ability to produce milk to nourish their young, a defining feature of the class Mammalia. They possess mammary glands, which are specialized organs that produce this milk. Female mammals typically give birth to live young, with some exceptions like the platypus and echidna, which lay eggs. In addition to milk production, female mammals often play a crucial role in the care and upbringing of their offspring. They exhibit various reproductive strategies, including gestation periods that can vary widely among species. Examples of female mammals include humans, dogs, and whales.