A Biologist Spotlights The Strangest Mammal On Earth. Hint: It Lays Eggs And ‘Sweats’ Milk

The platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal with a duck-like bill, a beaver-like tail, and otter-like fur.

Its scientific name is Ornithorhynchus anatinus, and early European naturalists thought preserved specimens were hoaxes.

The platypus belongs to the monotremes, along with echidnas.

Monotremes lay eggs and split from mammals before live birth became the dominant strategy.

Female platypuses lay yolk-rich, soft-shelled eggs, then the mother protects and warms them.