Discovered: 150-year-old Platypus and Echidna Specimens That Proved Some Mammals Lay Eggs
Published:17 May2022 Source:University of Cambridge
Jars of tiny platypus and echidna specimens, collected in the late 1800s by the scientist William Caldwell, have been discovered in the stores of Cambridge's University Museum of Zoology.
At the time of their collection, these specimens were key to proving that some mammals lay eggs -- a fact that changed the course of scientific thinking and supported the theory of evolution. This unique collection had not been catalogued by the Museum, so until recently staff had been unaware of its existence. The exciting find was made when Jack Ashby, Assistant Director at the Museum, was doing research for a new book on Australian mammals.