10 Adorable Baby Animals That Look Nothing Like Their Parents

5. Echidnas: Spiky Adults and Smooth Babies

Echidnas, or spiny anteaters, are peculiar creatures with spines similar to those of a porcupine and a long, sticky tongue for catching ants and termites. While adult echidnas are covered in sharp spines, their babies, known as puggles, are born without these distinctive features. Puggles are smooth, pink, and utterly defenseless, relying entirely on their mothers for protection. Over time, they develop the spines that are characteristic of their species, a transformation that marks their journey from vulnerable infants to resilient adults. This drastic change in appearance underscores the unique lifecycle and adaptations of echidnas.