ECHIDNA Meaning and
Definition
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An echidna is a noun that refers to a small, spiny monotreme mammal belonging to the Tachyglossidae family. These unique creatures are native to Australia and New Guinea, characterized by their distinctive appearance and fascinating reproductive methods. Echidnas are also commonly referred to as spiny anteaters due to their diet of ants and termites, which they capture using their long, slender tongue.
Physically, an echidna possesses a cylindrical, body covered in sharp spines that serve as a protective mechanism against predators. They have a narrow snout, beady eyes, and small ears, all contributing to their shrewd appearance. Echidnas typically range in size from 30 to 45 centimeters, making them relatively small in comparison to other mammals.
One of the most intriguing aspects of an echidna's reproductive process is its egg laying ability. Echidnas are one of only two types of mammals, the other being the platypus, that lay eggs rather than giving birth to live offspring. After mating, the female lays a single, leathery egg which is incubated within a pouch located on her abdomen. Once hatched, the baby echidna, known as a puggle, remains in the pouch for around two to three months, nursing on milk secreted by specialized mammary glands.
Overall, echidnas are remarkable creatures known for their distinct physical attributes, adaptation to their environment, and rare reproductive methods.
Common Misspellings for ECHIDNA
Etymology of ECHIDNA
The word "echidna" has its origins in Greek mythology. It comes from the Greek Ἔχιδνα, which referred to a creature mentioned in various ancient Greek texts.
In Greek mythology, Echidna was a half-woman, half-serpent monster who was said to have been the mother of numerous other monsters. She was often depicted as a vicious creature with the upper body of a beautiful woman and the lower body of a serpent.
The term "echidna" was later adopted by zoologists to refer to a unique group of egg-laying mammals found in Australia known as the echidnas or spiny anteaters. These mammals have spines covering their bodies and long snouts similar to anteaters, but they are not closely related to them.
Similar spelling words for ECHIDNA
- Yashodhana,
- Echoed,
- wash down,
- ending,
- Achidan,
- echidnae,
- ashton-in-makerfield,
- ashden,
- echoing,
- Ashtun,
- chadian,
- Ashten,
- ashton,
- occitano-romance,
- ichadon,
- Ashtin,
- eschaton,
- occitan,
- etched,
- ashton-under-lyne,
- ashton-tate,
- etching,
- eshton,
- Ached,
- aching,
- occitania,
- washdown,
- washtenaw,
- Achatina,
- l\'occitane,
- ashdon,
- echitone,
- ashtown,
- asheton,
- outchidden,
- itching,
- orchid,
- ochotona,
- ashdown,
- Ashtyn.
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