spiny anteater
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to Australia and New Guinea: The "spiny anteater" is the common name for a unique, egg-laying mammal. It is characterized by a body covered in protective spines, a long, slender snout, and strong claws adapted for digging. It feeds primarily on ants and termites.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The spiny anteater is one of only two types of monotremes in the world.
- We were lucky to spot a spiny anteater foraging in the bush.
- Unlike other mammals, the female spiny anteater lays eggs.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific context: In biology, the term "spiny anteater" is often used interchangeably with the scientific name or the order when discussing evolutionary traits.
- The reproductive system of the spiny anteater provides key insights into early mammalian evolution.
Variants and Related Words
- Echidna (n): The more common scientific name for the spiny anteater.
- There are several species of echidna.
- Monotreme (n): The biological order of egg-laying mammals, which includes the spiny anteater and the platypus.
- The platypus and the spiny anteater are both monotremes.
Synonyms
- Echidna: The direct synonym, used in both common and scientific language.
- Short-beaked echidna / Long-beaked echidna: Specific terms for different species of spiny anteater.
Related Phrases
- "Prickly as a spiny anteater": An informal simile describing something or someone that is difficult to approach or touch, either physically or in temperament.
- After his bad day, he was as prickly as a spiny anteater.
Noun
- a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to Australia
- a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to New Guinea