A mammal that reproduces by laying eggs, but still has milk, hair, and teeth refers to a(n) _____.

• A. marsupial
• B. monotreme
• C. placental mammal
• D. reptile

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the characteristics of the mammal described in the problem. It reproduces by laying eggs, which is unusual for mammals, but it still possesses typical mammalian traits such as milk production, hair, and teeth.
2. Step 2: Review the definitions of the options provided: Marsupial, Monotreme, Placental Mammal, and Reptile. Focus on their reproductive methods and other distinguishing features.
3. Step 3: Recall that monotremes are a unique group of mammals that lay eggs instead of giving live birth, yet they still produce milk and have hair, which are defining traits of mammals.
4. Step 4: Compare monotremes to the other options: Marsupials give live birth and carry their young in a pouch; placental mammals give live birth and nourish their young through a placenta; reptiles lay eggs but lack mammalian traits like milk production and hair.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the mammal described in the problem fits the definition of a monotreme, as it lays eggs but retains other mammalian characteristics such as milk, hair, and teeth.