egg-laying mammal

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Word: Egg-laying mammal

Definition: An egg-laying mammal is a type of mammal that lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young. These animals belong to a special group called "monotremes." The most well-known egg-laying mammals are the platypus and the echidna.

Usage Instructions

• Basic Usage: You can use the term "egg-laying mammal" when talking about specific animals that lay eggs.
• Example: "The platypus is an interesting egg-laying mammal because it has features of both mammals and birds."

Advanced Usage

• In scientific discussions, you might hear the term "monotremes" when referring to egg-laying mammals. This term is more specific and is used in biology.
• Example: "Monotremes are unique in the mammal class because they are the only mammals that lay eggs."

Word Variants

• Monotreme: This is a noun that refers to any member of the group of egg-laying mammals.
  • Example: "The echidna is a monotreme that is known for its spiny coat."

Different Meanings

• The term "mammal" generally refers to any animal that has fur or hair and produces milk for its young, so "egg-laying mammal" specifies a particular subgroup.

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for "egg-laying mammal," but you can use "monotreme" as a more scientific synonym.

Related Terms

• Reptiles: Animals that lay eggs but are not mammals.
• Live-bearing mammals: Mammals that give birth to live young, like dogs or humans.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "egg-laying mammal." However, you might encounter phrases like "lay eggs," which can be used in various contexts (not just for mammals).

Summary

An egg-laying mammal is a unique and fascinating category of mammals that includes creatures like the platypus and echidna.

Academic

Noun

1. the most primitive mammals comprising the only extant members of the subclass Prototheria

Synonyms

• monotreme