Research Uncovers Evolutionary History of Egg-Laying Mammals

An international research team led by Professor Kristofer Helgen and Professor Tim Flannery has published findings on monotreme origins. The study examined all significant monotreme fossils, revealing these species as survivors of a once-diverse group across southern continents. Key discoveries include classifying the oldest known monotreme, Teinolophos trusleri, into a new family and identifying the largest egg-laying mammal, a giant extinct echidna named Murrayglossus. The research explains why monotremes are restricted to Australia and New Guinea, tracing echidna evolution to proto-New Guinea islands. The work involved scientists from the Australian Museum, Museums Victoria, Monash University, Swinburne University, and the Smithsonian Institution.