What type of egg is composed a protective shell and membranes that surround the developing embryo?

Here's why:

* Protective shell: Amniotic eggs have a hard, leathery, or calcified shell that provides protection for the embryo. This shell can be made of various materials depending on the species, like calcium carbonate for birds or a leathery material for reptiles.

* Membranes: Inside the shell, there are several membranes that play crucial roles in development. These membranes include:

* Amnion: Surrounds the embryo and contains amniotic fluid, providing a protective, watery environment.

* Chorion: The outermost membrane, involved in gas exchange.

* Allantois: Stores waste products and also helps with respiration.

* Yolk sac: Contains nutrients for the developing embryo.

These features allow amniotic eggs to be laid in dry environments, unlike the eggs of amphibians which need to be laid in water. This adaptation was a key evolutionary step for allowing animals to move onto land.

Examples of animals that lay amniotic eggs include:

* Reptiles: Snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles

* Birds

* Monotremes: The only mammals that lay eggs (e.g., platypus and echidnas)