Echidna

Abundantly illustrated with color photographs, this book covers the story of the echidna from the legends of the Aboriginal people to the latest biological research. Echidnas provide an interesting topic of investigation because of their physiological uniqueness, combining mammalian and reptilian traits. For example, they are milk producing, but lay eggs. This book examines these facts about echidnas and corrects common myths, while explaining why these apparently contradictory traits have served to sustain the echidna through millions of years of biological and ecological change. Distributed by Publishers Group West. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)