Answer: Bats
Some extra relevant information:
While the majority of animals reproduce by laying eggs, there are indeed a few exceptions to this rule. These unique creatures have adapted different reproductive strategies that don’t involve egg-laying. Let’s explore a few examples of animals that do not lay eggs.
1. Mammals: Mammals, including humans, give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. They possess specialized reproductive organs called ovaries, where eggs are fertilized internally. The developing embryos are nourished through a placenta and are born as fully formed infants.
2. Marsupials: Marsupials are a group of mammals that include kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies. While they do not lay eggs like reptiles or birds, they undergo a unique reproductive process. After a brief gestation period, the underdeveloped newborns crawl into a pouch on their mother’s belly to continue their growth and development.
3. Placental Insects: There are a few insect species, like bed bugs and lice, which exhibit a placental reproduction method. Rather than laying eggs, these insects give birth to live offspring. The embryos develop within the female’s body and are nourished by a specialized organ known as a placenta.
4. Seahorses: Seahorses, intriguing and highly recognizable creatures, deviate from traditional fish reproductive methods. The male seahorse is responsible for carrying fertilized eggs in a special pouch until they hatch, after which he releases the fully formed young seahorses into the water.
5. Spiny Anteaters and Platypus: Both spiny anteaters (echidnas) and platypus are unique monotreme mammals found in Australia. These animals lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. Female monotremes lay leathery eggs, similar to reptiles, but nurture them in a warm pouch until hatching.
While these animals represent exceptions in the animal kingdom, the majority of species, from birds and reptiles to fish and amphibians, follow the common practice of laying eggs. It is remarkable how nature has evolved diverse reproductive methods to ensure the survival and perpetuation of different species.