Monotreme

usgb/ˈmɑːnətriːm/
noun

A type of mammal that lays eggs instead of giving birth to babies.

The platypus and echidna are the only monotremes existing today.
Visual representation of "monotreme" - A type of mammal that lays eggs instead of giving birth to babies.

Often appears as...

  • australian monotreme
  • egg-laying monotreme

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "monotreme"
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Egg-Laying Mammals

Monotremes are unique as the only mammals that lay eggs.

Illustration for Egg-Laying Mammals
I learned that monotremes break the typical mammalian life cycle by laying eggs.
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Rare Animals

Monotremes are extremely rare, with only two examples existing today.

Illustration for Rare Animals
During the documentary, they showed the rare monotreme, the echidna, in its natural habitat.
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Australian Exception

'Monotreme' often refers to animals native to Australia and New Guinea.

Illustration for Australian Exception
If you visit an Australian zoo, ask if they have a monotreme exhibition.
Visual representation of the word "Monotreme"

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