platypus

     

The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal enemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. It is the sole living representative of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus), though a number of related species have been found in the fossil record.

Trivia about platypus

  • It was first given a scientific name meaning "flat-footed duck"; it was later given one meaning "birdlike snout"
  • Has webbed feet; lays eggs
  • It has webbed feet, no teeth or external ears, brown fur & a rubbery, duckbill-shaped muzzle
  • For many years even scientists refused to believe in the existence of this duckbilled, egg-laying mammal
  • Found in Eastern Australia & Tasmania, this mammal's scientific name means "bird-snout"
  • Males of this duck-billed mammal have poison spurs on each hind foot that can kill small animals
  • Australia is home to 2 egg-laying mammals, or monotremes: the spiny anteater & this one
  • Receptors on the bill of this duckbilled mammal can detect electric fields which guide it to its prey
  • This aquatic animal's bill senses electrical fields; a 1980s test found it attacked a 1.5 V battery 88 out of 88 times
  • Duckbill(8)

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