15/12/2025
Ever wondered what an Echidna would look like on an X-ray?
On an X-ray, an echidna looks very different from most mammals!
🦔 Dense spines: The spines show up as thick, pale (radio-opaque) structures anchored deep into the skin, almost like a forest of nails.
🦔 Beak-like snout: You can clearly see the long, narrow skull with an elongated rostrum—more like a bird’s than a typical mammal’s.
🦔 Egg-laying anatomy: As a monotreme, its pelvic structure is unusual, reflecting its evolutionary split from placental mammals.
🦔 Strong digging limbs: The forelimbs look massively built, with thick bones and large claws adapted for burrowing.
🦔 Compact rib cage: Short, sturdy ribs protect the organs, giving the torso a squat appearance.
Overall, an echidna X-ray looks like a mix of reptile, bird, and mammal—a great visual reminder of how ancient and unique they are.

