Because the common ancestor of all mammals had a backbone, along with the common ancestor of all mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Mammals are vertebrates, and the defining characteristic of vertebrates is having a backbone. read more
Mammals are vertebrates, which means that they all have backbones (spines). Believe it or not, most animals don't have backbones -- mammals are one of the few groups that do. All mammals, except some sea cows and sloths have seven bones in their necks. read more