Monotremes are remarkable mammals belonging to the order Monotremata that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. They possess a single cloacal opening for excretion and reproduction, exhibit electroreception for detecting prey, and produce milk through specialized mammary gland ducts without nipples. As living fossils, monotremes retain several primitive traits not seen in other mammals.
- Egg-laying mammals in the order Monotremata.
- Single cloaca for excretion and reproduction.
- Use electroreception to detect prey.
- Milk is secreted through ducts; no nipples.
- Retain primitive characteristics, bridging reptiles and mammals.
Monotremes lay eggs, have a single cloacal opening, and use electroreception.
Monotremes belong to the order Monotremata.
The platypus and echidnas are modern monotremes.
Monotremes secrete milk through skin ducts, as they lack nipples.
Electroreception helps monotremes detect prey, enhancing foraging and environmental sensing.
Monotremes show primitive traits like a cloaca, egg-laying, and low metabolic rate.
Monotremes are native to Australia and New Guinea.
Monotreme eggs are smaller and less leathery than reptile eggs and have higher yolk content; parents incubate them like birds.
Male platypuses have venomous spurs on their hind limbs.
Monotremes use electroreception and mechanoreception for foraging.
Yes, despite their unique traits, monotremes possess hair.
The platypus and short-beaked echidna are monotremes.
The cloaca in monotremes serves as a common chamber and outlet for intestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts.
Monotremes are mammals but retain some primitive features similar to reptiles.