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Monotremes (/ ˈ m ɒ n ə t r iː m z /) are mammals of the order Monotremata. They are the only group of living mammals that lay eggs, rather than bearing live young. The extant monotreme species are the platypus and the four species of echidnas. Monotremes are typified by structural differences in their brains, jaws, digestive tract ...
Monotreme, any member of the egg-laying mammalian order Monotremata, which includes the amphibious platypus and the terrestrial echidnas of continental Australia, the Australian island state of Tasmania, and the island of New Guinea. It is the most ancient living order of mammals.
Jul 9, 2024 · Monotremes are the only mammals that lay eggs to reproduce (oviparous), a form that diversified from the traditional live-bearing ones, which includes marsupials and eutherians. However, like other mammals, they possess body hair and mammary glands and are endothermic or warm-blooded.
Monotremes reproduce by laying eggs. Monotremes have a cloaca instead of a uterus and vagina. The eggs pass through the opening of the cloaca. Monotreme reproduction is the least risky for the mother. However, eggs are harder to protect than is an embryo or a fetus in a pouch or uterus.
Jun 5, 2019 · The most striking difference from other mammals is that monotremes lay eggs. Similar to other mammals, they do lactate (produce milk). But instead of having nipples like other mammals, monotremes secrete milk through mammary gland openings in the skin.
Along with echidnas, platypus are grouped in a separate order of mammals known as monotremes, which are distinguished from all other mammals because they lay eggs. The platypus and echidna have both survived by occupying ecological niches.
Aug 18, 2023 · Mammals that lay eggs, or Monotremes, exhibit maternal care behaviors to ensure their offspring's successful growth and development. The Female western long-beaked Echidna will form a nest where she can incubate her egg before hatching to protect her precious young from harm and predators.
