Question

Which of the following is not an example of placental mammals?

• A. Mole
• B. Anteater
• C. Mouse
• D. Tasmanian tiger cat

Answer 1

The correct option is D Tasmanian tiger cat

Mammals are classified into three types - egg laying mammals (monotremes), marsupials (pouched-mammals) and placental mammals.

Monotremes are the egg laying mammals. They are present in Australia and New Guinea. Examples include echidna and duck-billed platypus.

Marsupials possess a pouch called marsupium to carry and nurture their babies. They give birth to underdeveloped babies which will climb to the pouch and get nurtured by the mother. A number of marsupials are present in the Australian continent. Examples include marsupial mole, flying phalanger, Tasmanian tiger cat, etc.

Placental mammals are those which possess placenta that connects the baby with the mother. Placenta helps in the transportation of nutrients and waste materials. They show a wide range of distribution. Examples include mole, mouse, anteater, etc.

The Tasmanian tiger cat is an Australian marsupial. So option d is the correct answer. The remaining options - mole, mouse and anteater are placental mammals.

Figure: Tasmanian tiger cat