* The word “should not” used in the title contradicts the current situation in Latvia, where the erroneous use of erroneous words has become commonplace
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...in Latvia, the word “animals” is groundlessly and very widely used as a synonym for the word “mammals”. Mammals – I remind those who have forgotten – are, for example, mice, squirrels, hedgehogs, bats, hares, cats, foxes, seals, pigs, roe deer, cows. All of these and countless other mammals are representatives of just one specific class.
On the other hand, the word “animals” includes representatives of any systematic group: mammals, birds, fish, insects, crustaceans, and all sorts of other creatures, including protozoa. Therefore, if it is said or written “birds and other animals” or “insects, birds and other animals”, it is correct.
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