They are the only group of living mammals that lay eggs, rather than bearing live young When you think of mammals, you probably picture animals giving birth to live young The extant monotreme species are the platypus and the four species of echidnas.
The Only Mammals That Lay Eggs: Meet the Monotremes (2025) | Animal Start
In the vast tapestry of animal life on earth, monotremes stand out as evolutionary marvels
These rare creatures represent the only living mammals that lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young, offering us a fascinating glimpse into the evolutionary history of mammals.
There are exceptions to every rule, some reptiles and fish bear live young, and some mammals lay eggs They do not have teats to nurse their young. The platypus and the echidna (also known as the spiny anteater) However, there are five known species of these animals, each with its own unique traits.
Monotremes are a rare and ancient branch of the mammal family tree, set apart by one remarkable trait While most mammals give birth to live young, monotremes retain this reptilian mode of reproduction, making them a biological curiosity and a vital link to our evolutionary past.
