Book 33, Question 10
Why do platypuses and echidnas lay eggs if they are mammals?
The platypus and the echidna are mammals that lay soft, leathery eggs.
After the babies hatch, the mother feeds them milk, so they are mammals, too. They have fur, but no teeth as adults. These few animals show us what early mammals may have been like. They live in Australia and New Guinea.
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Quick answers
Why do platypuses and echidnas lay eggs if they are mammals?
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.
Source: Australian Museum
More fun facts
- The soft egg-laying habit of monotremes is a notable reptilian feature that has been kept in this group of mammals.
- Monotremes, the only egg-laying mammals, are their living sister group and comprise just 5 extant species.
- The Platypus is the only Australian mammal known to be venomous.
- The platypus and echidna have both survived by occupying ecological niches.
Questions kids ask
Do monotremes have teats?
Monotremes are different from other mammals because they lay eggs and have no teats.
Source: Australian Museum