Who is the spiny ant eater related to?

The spiny anteater, also known as the echidna, is related to the platypus. They both belong to the order Monotremata, which is a group of mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young.

Here's a breakdown of their relationship:

* Monotremata: This is the most primitive order of mammals, and they are found only in Australia and New Guinea.

* Echidnas: There are four species of echidnas, all of which are found in Australia and New Guinea.

* Platypus: The platypus is the only other species in the order Monotremata.

While they look and behave very differently, the echidna and platypus share many similarities:

* Laying eggs: This is their most unique characteristic, making them very different from most other mammals.

* Primitive features: Both have a pouch for raising their young, and they possess a cloaca (a single opening for their reproductive, urinary, and digestive systems).

* Electroreception: They both have electroreceptors in their beaks, which helps them detect prey in the ground.

Despite their similarities, the echidna and platypus have evolved along different paths and have distinct adaptations for their specific environments and diets.