May 2, 2025
While most mammals give birth to live young, a few rare species lay eggs instead. Let’s explore 10 fascinating mammals that break the usual rules of nature.
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The platypus is the most famous egg-laying mammal in eastern Australia and Tasmania.
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The short-beaked echidna lays a single leathery egg and carries it in a pouch until it hatches.
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The western long-beaked echidna, found in New Guinea, is one of the largest monotremes that lay eggs.
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Named after Sir David Attenborough, this rare echidna also reproduces by laying eggs.
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The eastern long-beaked echidna is an elusive creature that lays a single egg during its breeding season.
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This monotreme, Zaglossus attenboroughi, is critically endangered and lays eggs.
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Zaglossus bartoni, a species of long-beaked echidna, lays eggs and inhabits the rugged terrains of New Guinea.
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Known as the western long-beaked echidna, Zaglossus bruijni lays eggs and is adapted to highland forests.
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Monotreme mammals like the platypus and echidnas are the only group of mammals that lay eggs.
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Ancient fossil monotremes show that egg-laying was once more common among early mammals.
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