The Short-Beaked Echidna
Note: When referring to the Echidna, reference is to the Tachyglossus aculeatus
Rhythmic Pattern
A rhythmic pattern displayed by the organism and an explanation of the purpose of this pattern
A rhythmic pattern in which the Short-beaked Echidna displays is during breeding season. For Echidnas, breeding season occurs in Spring and usually lasts for 2-3 months. The mother Echidna only lays one egg that hatches 10 days after it is born. When the baby Echidna hatches from its shell, it arises blind and hairless. As the baby is born hairless, it can be kept in its mother pouch where it sucks milk for around two to three months. Hence eventually it starts to grow spines, which make them too sharp and prickly to be kept in its mothers pouch. As a result the mother removes the baby from its pouch and instead creates shelter for it. Although the baby Echidna leaves the mothers pouch, it still continues to suck milk for roughly the next six months. This pattern occurs every time the mother Echidna has a baby and every breeding season. Its purpose is to ensure maximum survival for the baby.
A rhythmic pattern in which the Short-beaked Echidna displays is during breeding season. For Echidnas, breeding season occurs in Spring and usually lasts for 2-3 months. The mother Echidna only lays one egg that hatches 10 days after it is born. When the baby Echidna hatches from its shell, it arises blind and hairless. As the baby is born hairless, it can be kept in its mother pouch where it sucks milk for around two to three months. Hence eventually it starts to grow spines, which make them too sharp and prickly to be kept in its mothers pouch. As a result the mother removes the baby from its pouch and instead creates shelter for it. Although the baby Echidna leaves the mothers pouch, it still continues to suck milk for roughly the next six months. This pattern occurs every time the mother Echidna has a baby and every breeding season. Its purpose is to ensure maximum survival for the baby.