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OEDEKS OF MAMMALS— EGG-LAYING ANIMALS 



is very short. The food of this creature con- 

 sists of aquatic insects, crustaceans and worms. 

 The other Family of egg-laying mammals be- 

 longing to this Order contains the Echidnas 

 (pronounced E-kid'nas) of Australia and New 

 Guinea. These animals are arranged in two 

 genera, the Five-Toed Echidna {Tachyglossus), 



consisting of a single species which occurs in 

 Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea, and the 

 Three-Toed Echidnas (Zaglossus), comprising 

 two species, are confined to New Guinea. The 

 Five-Toed Echidna is covered with strong 

 spines set very thickly all over its outer sur- 

 face, and its nose is a slender and narrow beak. 



