Few mammals lay eggs. Mama Platypus is one of them. She usually lays 2-4 eggs. Here are some platypus eggs found online, though there sure are a lot of them!
Baby "platypups:"
Wikipedia: Platypus
The
platypus (
Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a
semiaquatic mammal endemic to
eastern Australia, including
Tasmania. Together with the four species of
echidna, it is one of the five extant species of
monotremes, the only mammals that lay
eggs instead of giving birth. It is the sole living representative of its
family (
Ornithorhynchidae) and
genus (
Ornithorhynchus), though a number of
related species have been found in the fossil record.
The unusual appearance of this egg-laying,
duck-billed,
beaver-tailed,
otter-footed mammal baffled European naturalists when they first encountered it, with some considering it an elaborate hoax. It is one of the few
venomous mammals, the male platypus having a
spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology and a recognisable and iconic symbol of
Australia; it has appeared as a mascot at national events and is featured on the
reverse of its
20-cent coin. The platypus is the animal emblem of the state of
New South Wales.
[3]
Until the early 20th century, it was hunted for its fur, but it is now protected throughout its range. Although captive breeding programmes have had only limited success and the platypus is vulnerable to the effects of pollution, it is not under any immediate threat.
