The platypus is truly a fascinating creature for many reasons. It has a unique mix of features: a bill that resembles a duck’s, a tail similar to a beaver’s, and feet that look like an otter’s. What’s even more interesting is that, even though it’s a mammal, the platypus lays eggs, which is quite rare and only one other mammal possesses this trait. It might seem like something out of a science fiction story, but it’s completely real and one of a kind.
Spanish teacher Barb Sorrell says, “I love platypuses, I think that they are an example of just how random and unpredictable mother nature can be.”
The platypus has a pretty cool scientific name: Ornithorhynchus Anatinus. This animal can only be found in eastern and southeastern Australia, usually near freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams. Platypuses belong to a rare group of egg-laying mammals called monotremes. The only other animal belonging to this group are echidnas.
The diet of a platypus mostly consists of invertebrates(animals without a backbone). They also eat small frogs, fish, and insects. While gathering food, the platypus collects food in its cheek pouches. It does not eat underwater, but instead stores its prey until it comes out of the water. Another difference between platypuses and most other mammals is that platypuses do not have teeth. Instead, it uses pads made of keratin to grind up food. Keratin is the same protein that makes up human hair and nails, as well as animal claws and horns. Newborn platypuses are born with temporary teeth that resemble molars, but these are lost before they leave the burrow.
When hunting underwater, the platypus closes its eyes, ears, and nostrils, which means it cannot see, smell, or hear. To navigate and find prey, it relies on electroreceptors and touch receptors in its bill. These sensors detect electrical signals from the muscles of prey animals. This ability, called electroreception, helps the platypus locate food even in dark, muddy water. This sense is so sensitive that it can detect tiny movements of insects hiding under rocks.
On the other hand, some people think that electroreception is weird and makes the platypus an unearthly being. Sophomore Issac Nunn says, “I think that platypuses using electroreception are weird, what kind of animal is made to hunt underwater but can’t even see underwater?”
Platypuses are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk. During the day, they dig burrows in the banks of rivers or lakes to rest and stay safe from predators. These burrows are also important for keeping their waterproof fur dry and for removing extra moisture from their skin. Platypuses have thick, dense fur that protects them from cold water and helps them maintain their body temperature.
Unlike other mammals, the platypus also has a much lower body temperature than most mammals. The average body temperature for a mammal is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the platypus averages about 90 degrees. Even with this low body temperature, it can survive in water as cold as 30 degrees fahrenheit. This is helped by the fat stored in its tail, which provides extra energy during cold months or when food is scarce.
Male platypuses are typically larger than females. Adult platypuses usually measure between 15 and 24 inches in length, though size can vary depending on the region. Platypuses living in northern Australia are generally smaller than those found in the south.
The platypus mating season takes place between August and October. After mating, the female platypus builds a nest burrow in less than a week. She spends several days collecting damp nesting materials such as leaves and grass to keep her eggs from drying out. A female will lay one to three eggs at a time, and these eggs usually hatch after about 10 days. Newborn platypuses stay in the burrow for around three to four months before leaving their burrow.
Platypuses do not reproduce during their first year of life. In fact, most females do not begin reproducing until they are around four years old. This slow start to life is the main reason platypuses are vulnerable to environmental changes and human interference. On average, platypuses can live up to 20 years in the wild.
Despite their odd appearance and behaviors, platypuses do have predators. In the water, they can fall prey to crocodiles, goannas, carpet pythons, and eagles. On land, they may be hunted by foxes and sometimes even domestic dogs. Parasites are also very prevalent in the platypus planet. The tick species, Ixodes Ornithorhynchi, which feeds on blood is found only in platypuses. In Tasmania, some platypuses suffer from skin ulcers caused by a fungal infection usually found in amphibians.
One of the most surprising and dangerous features of the male platypus is the venomous spur found on each of its hind ankles. These spurs are about 12 millimeters long and are connected to a gland that produces venom. While the venom is not deadly to humans, it can cause extreme pain and swelling. After being stung by the spur, swelling begins around the wound and spreads to the rest of the affected limb.
Platypuses also have some unique skeletal features. Unlike most mammals, they have extra shoulder girdle bones, including a bone called the interclavicle. This bone helps provide extra support to the shoulder, which may be useful when digging or swimming.
Whether seen as a mystery, or a mix of leftover animal parts, the platypus demonstrates that nature never runs out of surprises. With its waterproof fur, electric senses, and ancient roots, it deserves a spot as one of the most captivating animals on the planet.
