what is a monotreme
Monotremes (Monotremata) are a unique group of mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young like other mammals (such as placental mammals and marsupials). Monotremes include several species of echidnas and the platypus.
A monotreme is a rare sort of mammal found in Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea. The reason they are so rare is that they lay eggs! This group includes the Platypus and the Echidna (spiny anteater). The platypus is a semi-aquatic creature with webbed feet, a bill (sort of like a duck), waterproof fur and a flat tail (like a beaver). They are between 1 and 2 feet long and between 3 or 4 pounds.
The Platypus, the most well known monotreme. Monotremes are a group of mammals that form the order Monotremata. Monotremes are the only mammals that lay eggs, but they also feed their babies with milk. The word 'monotreme' refers to their common rear opening, the cloaca. In amphibia, reptiles, birds and probably all early tetrapods, there is a common opening for urine, reproduction and faeces.
monÂ·oÂ·treme. The most primitive type of living mammal. Monotremes lay eggs, and the females have no teats but provide milk directly through the skin to their young. Monotremes include only the duck-billed platypus, found in Australia and New Guinea, and the echidnas, found only in New Guinea. Noun.