Echidna Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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echidna
[ɪˈkɪdnə ]
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'echidna'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'echidna' comes from the ancient Greek mythological creature Echidna, who was half-woman and half-snake. The name was given to this animal due to its unique appearance and behavior. Echidnas have been living on Earth for millions of years, evolving into the fascinating creatures we know today.