order Monotremata
- noun
- /ˈɔrdər ˌmɒnəˈtrɛmɪtə/
- Specialized
- The platypus and the echidnas are the only living members of order Monotremata.
Examples
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Order Monotremata is unique because its members lay eggs rather than give birth to live young.
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The order Monotremata includes unique mammals like the platypus.
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Scientists study order Monotremata to understand the evolution of mammals.
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Did you know that the order Monotremata lays eggs?
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Order Monotremata is the only group of mammals known to lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young.
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Researchers classify the platypus and echidnas under order Monotremata due to their egg-laying reproductive method.
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Among mammals, order Monotremata is remarkable for including species that reproduce by laying eggs.
Synonyms
Mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth, like the platypus and echidnas
A group of mammals that lay eggs, like the platypus and echidnas
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines the noun 'order' (a taxonomic grouping) with the taxon name 'Monotremata', so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes the taxonomic order containing platypus and echidnas. This is a regular, label-like compositional pattern in scientific naming and is cross-linguistically predictable, making the meaning transparent.
Etymology
Order Monotremata may come from two Greek parts: mono meaning 'one' and tremata meaning 'hole'. This name fits animals like the platypus and echidnas because they use a single body opening to lay eggs and for other functions, so it helps you remember they are 'egg-laying' mammals.
