Monotreme

New Extinct Species of Monotremes Discovered in Australia

Recent discoveries in paleontology reveal three new extinct species of egg-laying mammals in Australia, shedding light on the evolution of monotremes. The ‘echidnapus,’ Opalios splendens, a blend of platypus and echidna features, lived during the Cretaceous period. Lightning Ridge in New South Wales was a hotspot for these furry egg-layers around 100 million years ago. Unearthed fossils offer valuable insights into Australia’s prehistoric past, emphasizing the need to revisit old fossils.

Ancient ‘Echidnapus’ Fossil Unearthed in Australia

Australian scientists have discovered the ancient ‘echidnapus’ in opal fields in New South Wales, shedding light on Australia’s ‘age of monotremes’. The newly identified Opalios splendens species, resembling the platypus and echidna, expands the known diversity of prehistoric egg-laying mammals. This groundbreaking find, detailed in the journal Alcheringa, highlights the unique evolutionary history of Australian fauna.

Unveiling the Genetic Secrets of Monotreme Skin Differentiation

Unveiling the Genetic Secrets of Monotreme Skin Differentiation Published: January 16, 2024 By Geeta Pillai In a groundbreaking scientific study, the genomes of the platypus and the echidna have been meticulously analyzed to comprehend the gene composition of the Epidermal…