Echidna: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆ
echidna
[ษชหkษชdnษ ]
Definition
animal
An echidna is a spiny, egg-laying mammal native to Australia and New Guinea. It is also known as a spiny anteater due to its diet of ants and termites. Echidnas have a long, sticky tongue to catch their prey and spines covering their back for protection.
Synonyms
anteater, spiny anteater.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| echidna |
Used in scientific discussions or when referring to the specific animal found in Australia and New Guinea that has spines and lays eggs.
|
| spiny anteater |
Often used in more colloquial or descriptive speech to refer to the echidna, highlighting its physical appearance with spines.
|
| anteater |
Commonly used when talking about animals that primarily eat ants, usually referring to the species found in Central and South America.
|
Examples of usage
- The echidna is one of only two monotremes in the world, the other being the platypus.
- Echidnas are solitary animals and are mostly active at night.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The name 'echidna' comes from the Greek word for 'spiny', which reflects its prickly appearance.
- In ancient mythology, Echidna was known as the 'Mother of Monsters', showcasing the creature's strong connection to spines and defenses.
Biology
- Echidnas are one of the few egg-laying mammals, belonging to the monotreme family, which also includes platypuses.
- Their spines are modified hairs, providing effective protection against predators.
- They have a special tongue that can be 15 centimeters long, allowing them to reach deep into ant hills for their favorite snacks.
Cultural Significance
- Echidnas are an integral part of Aboriginal Australian mythology, often featured in stories and art.
- They are sometimes referred to as 'spiny anteaters' due to their diet and appearance, bridging cultural perceptions of nature.
Conservation
- Echidnas are considered a near-threatened species due to habitat loss, climate change, and invasive predators.
- Conservation efforts include habitat protection and public education about the importance of this unique species.
Fun Facts
- Echidnas can dig burrows to escape the heat or to hide from predators, showcasing their resourcefulness.
- They can run quite quickly despite their bulky appearance, which surprises many people.
Translations
Translations of the word "echidna" in other languages:
๐ต๐น equidna
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคเคฟเคกเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Ameisenigel
๐ฎ๐ฉ ekidna
๐บ๐ฆ ัั ะธะดะฝะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ kolczatka
๐ฏ๐ต ใใชใขใฐใฉ
๐ซ๐ท รฉchidnรฉ
๐ช๐ธ equidna
๐น๐ท ekidne
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ฐ์๋๋์ง
๐ธ๐ฆ ุขูู ุงููู ู ุงูุดููู
๐จ๐ฟ jeลพura
๐ธ๐ฐ jeลพura
๐จ๐ณ ้้ผน
๐ธ๐ฎ kljunaลก
๐ฎ๐ธ broddgรถltur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัั ะธะดะฝะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ekidna
๐ฒ๐ฝ equidna