EGG LAYING MAMMALS (MONOTREMES)

Back to: P6 Primary six science topical questions and answers

• EGG LAYING MAMMALS (MONOTREMES)

Qn.    What are monotremes?

          These are mammals that reproduce by laying eggs.

          Note:

Monotremes are regarded as the most primitive group of mammals.

Qn.    Why are monotremes regarded as the most primitive group of mammals?

• They have characteristics of mammals, reptiles and birds. 

Qn.     Why are monotremes grouped under mammals yet they reproduce by laying eggs? 

• They have mammary glands.
  • They feed their young ones on breast milk produced by the mammary glands. 
  • Characteristics of monotremes 
  • Monotremes reproduce by laying eggs. – Examples of monotremes
  • Duck billed platypus 
  • Spiny an eater (Echidna) 
  • Illustration showing monotremes