…the only mammals that lay eggs are platypuses and echidnas?

Echidnas lay a soft-shelled egg, which is stored in the mother’s pouch for approximately ten days before their young are born.

… the young echidna stays in the mother’s pouch for several weeks?

After hatching, the newborn baby is the size of a bean, which is why it stays in its mother’s pouch for two to three months.

…these animals’ spines are like strands of hair?

The echidnas spines are actually a special kind of hair that is larger and stiffer. They protect echidnas from predators. When these animals get scared, they curl up into a ball to expose all their spines, or they may simply dig a hole and hide.

…the echidna is slow to move?

…its tongue is about 15 centimeters long?

…the echidna has no teeth?

This animal has a jaw, but no teeth. They use their snout and claws to pick up food and then use their tongue and the roof of their mouth to tear the food apart.

…it eats a lot?

Its diet consists of ants, termites, worms, and insect larvae.

Sources: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, São Paulo Aquarium, and Government of South Australia

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