| 释义 |
‖ Monotremata, n. pl. Zool.|mɒnəʊˈtriːmətə|
[mod.L., neut. pl. of monotrēmatus adj., f. Gr. µόνο-ς mono- + τρηµατ-, τρῆµα perforation, hole, f. τρᾱ- root of τετραίνειν to bore through, perforate.]
The lowest Order of Mammalia, containing mammals which have only one opening or vent for the genital, urinary, and digestive organs.
The Order comprises the duck-billed platypus (Ornithorhynchus paradoxus) and several species of spiny ant-eaters of the genera Tachyglossus (or Echidna) and Zaglossus or Acanthoglossus. They are native to Australia and New Guinea, and are oviparous.
1833Proc. Zool. Soc. 12 Mar. 29 [tr. of Geoffroy St. Hilaire], The Monotremata. 1839–47Owen in Todd's Cycl. Anat. III. 368/1 The skull in both genera of Monotremata is long and depressed. |