How Unusual Is the Platypus?

The platypus is one of the most unique creatures alive today. All mammals can be divided into three types, including placentals (most modern mammals), marsupials (many mammals from Australia, like kangaroos and koalas) and monotremes.

There are only two living species currently classified as monotremes, which are mammals which lay eggs. One of these is the platypus.

Not only does the platypus lay eggs, it is aquatic, furred, has a duck-like bill, and can produce venom. When mapping the platypus genome, scientists found that it has a mixture of reptilian, bird-like and mammal traits and probably split from the general mammal evolutionary path about 165 million years ago.

More about the platypus:

• In 1796 a zoologist with the British Museum was so convinced their new platypus specimen was a hoax he took to the pelt with a knife to try and find stitching.
• Platypuses don't have teeth, although they do have special grinding pads in their mouths to mash up food. They will swallow gravel to help with digestion as many birds do.
• The beaver-like tail of the platypus is not used to swim, but rather as a storage space for fat. The platypus swims using its webbed feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the platypus such an unusual animal?

The platypus is a marvel of evolutionary uniqueness, combining traits of both mammals and reptiles. It lays eggs like a reptile but nurses its young with milk like a mammal. With a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail, it's a mosaic of features not typically found together in the animal kingdom, making it a subject of fascination and study.

Is the platypus venomous?

Yes, the male platypus has a rare trait among mammals: it is venomous. During the breeding season, the male develops spurs on its hind legs that can deliver venom capable of causing severe pain to humans and other animals. This venom is not lethal to humans but is a unique defense mechanism among mammals.

How does the platypus use electrolocation?

The platypus has an extraordinary sensory capability: electrolocation. It hunts by detecting electric fields generated by the muscular contractions of its prey. When underwater, the platypus closes its eyes, ears, and nose, relying entirely on its bill's electroreceptors to navigate and find food, a trait more commonly associated with certain species of fish.

What is the conservation status of the platypus?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the platypus is currently listed as "Near Threatened." Habitat destruction, water pollution, and climate change are contributing to its declining numbers. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this unique species, as it plays a vital role in its ecosystem.

Can the platypus be found outside of Australia?

The platypus is endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania, meaning it is not naturally found elsewhere. Its habitat is closely tied to freshwater systems where it can feed on aquatic invertebrates. Any platypuses outside of this region would be in captivity, such as in zoos or conservation parks.

What do platypuses eat, and how do they find their food?

Platypuses are carnivorous, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, such as insect larvae, worms, and freshwater shrimp. They forage underwater, using their bill to shovel through the substrate and sense prey. The electroreceptors in their bill detect the electrical signals emitted by the muscle movements of potential food, guiding them to their next meal.