Among the following, which one lays eggs and does not produce young ones directly?
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
- AEchidnaCorrect
- BKangaroo
- CPorcupine
- DWhale
Explanation
The correct answer is Echidna because it belongs to a unique group of mammals called monotremes. Unlike most mammals that give birth to live young, monotremes lay leathery eggs similar to those of reptiles. The only other living monotreme is the Platypus.
Kearangaroo is a marsupial, meaning it gives birth to underdeveloped young that continue to grow in a pouch. Porcupines and Whales are placental mammals, which means they give birth to fully developed young ones directly. Therefore, the Echidna is the only animal in the list that lays eggs.
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