Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Monotremata

Monotremata

9.9
Mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth, like the platypus and echidnas
  • noun
  • /ˌmɒnəˈtrɛmɪtə/
  • Specialized
: monotrema
  • Both the platypus and echidnas belong to the order Monotremata.

Examples

  • The Monotremata are unique among mammals for laying eggs rather than giving birth to live young.

  • Scientists study the evolutionary history of Monotremata to learn about early mammals.

  • The Monotremata order includes unique species like the platypus.

  • Did you know that Monotremata are the only mammals that lay eggs?

  • Both the platypus and echidnas belong to the order Monotremata.

  • The Monotremata are unique among mammals for laying eggs rather than giving birth to live young.

  • Did you know that Monotremata are the only mammals that lay eggs?

Synonyms

order Monotremata
vsMonotremata
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of egg-laying mammals like the platypus and echidnas

is the same concept named without the rank phrase
Prototheria
vsMonotremata
  • Archaic
9.9

A group of mammals that lay eggs, like the platypus and echidnas

is the taxonomic order term rather than a general group label

Compounds

order Monotremata
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of egg-laying mammals like the platypus and echidnas

Surface Forms

Monotremata singular
Monotrematas plural

Morphology

Monotremata = mono + trem + ata

This is a Latinized scientific taxon built from classical combining forms meaning 'single' and 'hole', but the structure is not transparent to an average English learner.

Etymology

Monotremata comes from the Greek parts mono- 'one' and trema 'hole', so it means 'single opening'. That's why the egg-laying mammals like the platypus and echidnas are called Monotremata: they have one body opening for both reproduction and waste.