With a long, sticky tongue, a penchant for snacking on ants and termites, and a body covered in barbless quills called spines, the echidna is also known as a spiny anteater.
Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Australia’s echidna has developed a curious way to cool off — blowing bubbles out of its beaklike snout. The short-beaked echidna is common across Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea and along with the platypus, it’s one of Earth’s few monotremes — mammals who lay eggs — and has been around for millions of years.
“We observed a number of fascinating methods used by echidnas to manage heat and which allow the animal to be active at much higher temperatures than previously thought,” said lead study author Dr. Christine Cooper, senior lecturer in Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences, in a statement. “Echidnas blow bubbles from their nose, which burst over the nose tip and wet it. As the moisture evaporates it cools their blood, meaning their nose tip works as an evaporative window.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ukraine's ambassador to Australia condemns Russian flag display at the Australian Open | CNNUkraine's ambassador to Australia has 'strongly condemn[ed]' the Russian flag being displayed in the stands at the Australian Open.
Read more »
Enjoying nature may lessen need for some medications, study finds | CNNGet outside into nature to improve your health and reduce your need for medications for high blood pressure, depression and anxiety, a new study says.
Read more »
Australian runner aims for world record with 150 marathons in 150 days | CNNAustralian Erchana Murray-Bartlett completed 150 marathons in 150 days, running 6,300 kilometers (3,900 miles) from the country's northern tip to the southern city of Melbourne in what could be a new world record.
Read more »
Manchester United sets up shop at Davos with luxury lounge in Swiss Alps | CNNManchester United set out a dazzling Davos shop front this week, but insisted its lounge was to entertain clients and partners rather than to attract buyers for the English soccer club.
Read more »