Tachyglossidae

Definition

Tachyglossidae is a family of egg-laying mammals known as monotremes, which includes echidnas. They are characterized by their spiny coats and specialized snouts used for feeding on ants and termites.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tachyglossidae comprises four extant species, all commonly referred to as echidnas or spiny anteaters.
2. These mammals are one of the only two families within the order Monotremata, the other being Ornithorhynchidae (platypus).
3. Echidnas have a highly developed sense of smell and electroreceptors in their snouts to detect prey.
4. Despite laying eggs, echidnas nurse their young with milk secreted from mammary glands through specialized mammary pores.
5. Echidnas are found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea, inhabiting diverse environments ranging from forests to deserts.

Review Questions

Related terms

Monotreme: A type of mammal that lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young

Ornithorhynchidae:

The family that includes the platypus, another group of monotremes

Electroreception: The ability to detect electrical fields produced by living organisms