Monotreme
order of mammals / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Monotremes are a group of mammals that form the order Monotremata. Monotremes are the only mammals that lay eggs, but they also feed their babies with milk.
Quick Facts Monotremes Temporal range: Lower Cretaceous – Recent, Scientific classification ...
Monotremes Temporal range: Lower Cretaceous – Recent | |
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Short-beaked echidna | |
Scientific classification | |
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Order: | Monotremata C.L. Bonaparte, 1837 |
Families | |
†Kollikodontidae |
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The word 'monotreme' refers to their common rear opening, the cloaca. In amphibia, reptiles, birds and probably all early tetrapods, there is a common opening for urine, reproduction and faeces.