prototherian
/ˌproʊtəˈθɪriən/
noun
- A mammal belonging to the group that includes egg-laying mammals such as the platypus and echidna.
- Prototherians are different from other mammals because they lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young.
- The platypus is a well-known prototherian found in Australia.
- Scientists study prototherians to learn about the early evolution of mammals.
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adjective
- Relating to the group of egg-laying mammals (monotremes).
- Prototherian species have been around for millions of years.
- The fossil shows prototherian features that are not seen in modern marsupials.
- The prototherian reproductive system is unique among mammals.