A monotreme is a unique type of mammal that lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young. The most well-known monotremes are the platypus and the echidna. These fascinating creatures are primarily found in Australia and New Guinea, and they have a mix of mammalian and reptilian features, such as a beak and the ability to produce milk for their young.
Monotremes are part of a small group of mammals that diverged from other mammals millions of years ago. Unlike most mammals, they have a cloaca, which is a single opening for excretion and reproduction. This makes them quite different from the more common mammals we see today, like dogs and cats.