Along with four species of echidna (a mammal that looks a bit like a porcupine), the platypus is one of only five species of monotremes in the world. Monotremes are mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. ... The name “platypus" comes from the Greek word for “flat-footed."

Monotremes are one of the three main groups of living mammals, along with placentals and marsupials. The monotremes are typified by structural differences in their brains, jaws, digestive tract, reproductive tract, and other body parts compared to the more common mammalian types.

Mammal Which Lays Eggs: Platypus

The mammal which lays eggs is known as the platypus. It is a unique and fascinating creature found in Australia. The platypus belongs to a group of mammals known as monotremes, which also includes the echidna. Unlike other mammals, which give birth to live young, platypus females lay eggs.

Morphology of the Platypus

The platypus has a distinctive appearance. It has a beak-like snout similar to a duck, webbed feet for swimming, and a flat tail. Its body is covered in dense fur that helps it to regulate its body temperature in the water.

Reproduction in Platypus

The reproduction process of the platypus is quite intriguing. The female platypus typically lays one to three eggs at a time. These eggs are small, leathery, and about the size of a marble. The female incubates the eggs by curling her body around them, providing warmth until they hatch. This incubation period lasts for about 10 days.

Hatching and Raising Young

After the eggs hatch, the platypus babies, called puggles, are born. They are blind, hairless, and completely dependent on their mother for survival. The mother produces milk, which is secreted through specialized pores on her belly. The puggles lap up the milk using their mouths as they do not have nipples.

The mother takes great care of her young, nursing and protecting them in a burrow she has dug near the water's edge. The puggles stay with their mother for several months until they are old enough to venture out on their own.

Conclusion

The platypus is an extraordinary mammal that defies conventional classification. It is one of the few mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. The unique reproductive strategy of the platypus showcases the diversity found within the animal kingdom and highlights the wonders of nature.