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Glite Dictionary
prototherian

prototherian

9.9
A mammal that lays eggs, like the platypus or echidna, from Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea
  • noun
  • /ˌproʊtəˈθɪəriən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : prototerio
  • Unlike most mammals, prototherians lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young.

Examples

  • The platypus is a well-known example of a prototherian found in Australia.

  • Scientists study prototherian fossils to learn about mammalian evolution.

  • The prototherian species includes the unique platypus.

  • Did you know that the prototherians are one of the oldest mammals?

  • The platypus is a well-known example of a prototherian found in Australia.

  • Unlike most mammals, prototherians lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young.

  • Scientists study prototherian fossils to learn about mammalian evolution.

Synonyms

monotreme
vsprototherian
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A mammal that lays eggs instead of giving birth, like a platypus or echidna

is specifically a native form found in Australia Tasmania and New Guinea
egg-laying mammal
vsprototherian
  • Specialized
1 7.6

A mammal that lays eggs, like the platypus or echidna

is narrower referring to those native to Australia Tasmania and New Guinea

Surface Forms

prototherian singular
prototherians plural

Morphology

prototherian = therian (semi-transparent) = proto + therian

The prefix proto- clearly contributes the sense of 'first' or 'primitive', but the technical base word therian is specialized and not transparent to most learners.

Etymology

The word prototherian comes from Greek parts proto- ('first') and therion ('beast'), so it literally means 'first beast'. That helps you remember these are early, egg-laying mammals like the platypus and echidna.