Monotreme: meaning, definitions and examples
๐พ
monotreme
[ mษnษหtriหm ]
animal classification
Monotremes are a group of egg-laying mammals, which includes species such as the platypus and echidnas. They are characterized by a cloaca, which is a single opening for excretion and reproduction, as well as the ability to lay eggs. Unlike other mammals, monotremes have a more reptilian reproductive strategy.
Examples of usage
- The platypus is a well-known monotreme native to Australia.
- Echidnas, also known as spiny anteaters, are another type of monotreme.
- Monotremes are unique among mammals due to their egg-laying reproductive method.
Translations
Translations of the word "monotreme" in other languages:
๐ต๐น monotrema
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคจเฅเคเฅเคฐเฅเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Monotrem
๐ฎ๐ฉ monotrem
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะพะฝะพััะตะผะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ monotrem
๐ฏ๐ต ๅๅญ้ก
๐ซ๐ท monotrรจme
๐ช๐ธ monotrema
๐น๐ท monotrem
๐ฐ๐ท ๋จ๊ณต๋ฅ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃุญุงุฏูุฉ ุงููุชุญ
๐จ๐ฟ monotrem
๐ธ๐ฐ monotrem
๐จ๐ณ ๅๅญ็ฑป
๐ธ๐ฎ monotrem
๐ฎ๐ธ monotreme
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะพะฝะพััะตะผะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแขแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ monotrem
๐ฒ๐ฝ monotrema
Etymology
The term 'monotreme' comes from the Greek words 'monos' meaning 'single' or 'one', and 'trema' meaning 'hole' or 'opening'. This is a reference to the single opening, or cloaca, shared by these animals for urinary, reproductive, and digestive functions. The classification of monotremes dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when scientists began to formalize the study of mammals. Early naturalists were fascinated by the unique characteristics and reproductive methods of these creatures, which do not fit into the typical definitions of mammals, as they lay eggs instead of giving live birth. The platypus was one of the first monotremes to be described in detail, drawing significant interest due to its unusual features such as a bill resembling that of a duck. Today, monotremes are recognized as a distinct branch of mammals, highlighting the diversity and evolutionary significance of this group.