While they have spines similar to a porcupine, they are actually monotremes, meaning they lay eggs. They are also closely related to the platypus.
Here's why they are often mistaken for porcupines:
* Spines: Both echidnas and porcupines have sharp spines for defense.
* Appearance: Their overall body shape can be similar, especially at a distance.
However, they are quite different animals:
* Porcupines: Rodents with sharp, barbed quills that they detach and shoot at attackers.
* Echidnas: Monotremes with spines that are fused to their skin and used for defense. They have a long, sticky tongue for catching insects.
If you're interested in learning more about echidnas, they are fascinating animals with a unique evolutionary history.