Monotremes
Monotremes are rare egg-laying mammals found in Australia and New Guinea. There are only three living species of monotremes: platypus and two species of the spiny anteater. The word 'monotreme' means one opening. It refers to the presence of only one opening in these animals for getting rid of waste and laying eggs.
Eggs
The eggs of monotremes remain within thee mother's body for some time. They do not have a placenta, but the egg shell is porous enabling the absorption of the mother's nutrients. The gestation period is ten to twelve days. The young ones hatch by tearing the shell with the help of a temporary egg tooth on their snout. When they have fully hatched, the newborns start feeding on their mother's milk. Even after they grow up, the infants are under the protective care of the parents for a long period of time.
Platypuses
The platypus looks like a unique mix of many animals. It has a tail like a beaver's, a body like an otter's, a walk like a reptile's, and webbed feet and beak like a duck's; the webbing is more prominent in the front feet. Its broad body and flat tail are covered with a dense brown waterproof fur to trap heat inside the body. Platypuses are carnivores that feed on small creatures like crayfish, worms, snails and shrimps. They can store food in the cheek pouches while hunting underwater.
Spiny anteaters
Spiny anteaters are covered with coarse hair and spines resembling a porcupine. They have long slender snouts that function as the nose and mouth. When a spiny anteater finds itself in danger, it either digs burrow and hides in it or rounds itself up into spiny ball. They feed on ants and termites.
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