👤 whose
Whose work first explained how the platypus and echidna lay eggs even though they are mammals?
Quick Answer
George Shaw’s and later zoologists’ work established that monotremes are egg-laying mammals. The platypus was described scientifically by Shaw in 1799.
The Full Story
The platypus was first described scientifically by George Shaw in 1799, after specimens reached Britain from Australia. Later zoological research showed that the platypus and echidnas belong to the monotremes, a rare group of mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Their discovery challenged older ideas about how mammals reproduce. Monotremes are now understood as an ancient branch of the mammal family tree, found only in Australia and New Guinea.
Key Facts
1.George Shaw described the platypus in 1799
2.Monotremes are egg-laying mammals
3.Only platypuses and echidnas survive in this group today
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The mammals that lay eggs"
Was this answer helpful?
Tap a reaction — it helps us pick what to cover next.