Results: Mysterious Monotremes! Part 1 of 2
Published on 12/01/2025
There are just five known mammals in the world that share a surprising trait: they lay eggs and feed milk to their babies (or puggles as they're known). In the scientific world, this is called a monotreme; the two other types of mammals — placentals and marsupials — reproduce through live births. Their name comes from Greek and means "single opening," which refers to the fact that they have only one opening for both reproductive and waste removal purposes (a cloaca). Monotremes are only found in either Australia or New Guinea. They are all quite elusive, so little is known about their daily habits and mating rituals. Treehugger is my source for this mini-series.
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1.
1.
The platypus is a unique aquatic animal from Australia with a duck bill, beaver tail, and otter feet. Males are venomous, using stingers on the heels of its hind feet to defend themselves. Females lay eggs in burrows, and the young are nursed for up to four months. Platypus milk is sucked through the skin or fur, as they don't have nipples, like other mammals. Were you aware that these animals don't have nipples before this survey?
Yes
12%
222 votes
No
61%
1099 votes
Undecided
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Not Applicable
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Eastern echidnas, also called Barton's long-beaked echidna, is one of three species from the genus Zaglossus to occur in New Guinea. It is found mainly in the eastern half at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. They are larger than other monotremes, and are brown or black with no tail and have a tiny mouth at the snout's tip. They hunt for insects mostly at night and likely breed in April or May. They are considered vulnerable by the IUCN. Have you ever heard of this mysterious monotreme before this survey?
Yes
14%
251 votes
No
59%
1062 votes
Undecided
7%
128 votes
Not Applicable
20%
359 votes
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