"There are three classifications of mammals in the world: placentals, marsupials, and monotremes. Placental mammals are named after the nurturing organ that surrounds the fetus. (We placentals are also called eutherian, which translates as "well-formed beast.") Marsupials are named after marsupium - the latin word for pouch, which sounds nice and comfy. But monotremes (just the platypus and echidna) are named for their "one hole" (mono = one, treme = hole). This was, Alexis noted, 'a massive failure in public relations.'"

-From Carnivorous Nights, my new favorite book about three Americans on the search for the Thylacine in Tasmania