Platypus
Platypus, the most extraordinary and abnormal creature on earth, are found in Australia. Its scientific name is Ornithorhynchus anatinus.
Appearance
An animal that is best described as combined features of a duck, a beaver and an otter. This creature, weighing an average of 2.4 kilograms, attracts many people by its unique appearance. Its thick hair is waterproof and helps keep the platypus warm and dry when in the water
Males are venomous; they have sharp stingers on the heels of their rear feet and can use them to deliver a strong toxic blow to any foe.
Diet
Surprisingly, platypuses are carnivores and feed on insects such as worms and freshwater insects. After hunting underwater, the platypus would store its food in its cheeks to resurface and eat. Additionally, since they have no teeth, they crush and grind their food by using their grinding pads in their mouth.
Adaptation
In our variable climate in Australia, platypuses have thick layers of coats and furs to protect and adapt Australia’s environment. The platypus has layers of woolly furred coat which ranges from 30cm to 45cms long; this provides them to keep warm, detect objects and traps air. This unique feature is a smart way to adapt our Australian environment.
Avoiding predators, they are active mainly at night time hours but are not nocturnal.
Platypus, the most extraordinary and abnormal creature on earth, are found in Australia. Its scientific name is Ornithorhynchus anatinus.
Appearance
An animal that is best described as combined features of a duck, a beaver and an otter. This creature, weighing an average of 2.4 kilograms, attracts many people by its unique appearance. Its thick hair is waterproof and helps keep the platypus warm and dry when in the water
Males are venomous; they have sharp stingers on the heels of their rear feet and can use them to deliver a strong toxic blow to any foe.
Diet
Surprisingly, platypuses are carnivores and feed on insects such as worms and freshwater insects. After hunting underwater, the platypus would store its food in its cheeks to resurface and eat. Additionally, since they have no teeth, they crush and grind their food by using their grinding pads in their mouth.
Adaptation
In our variable climate in Australia, platypuses have thick layers of coats and furs to protect and adapt Australia’s environment. The platypus has layers of woolly furred coat which ranges from 30cm to 45cms long; this provides them to keep warm, detect objects and traps air. This unique feature is a smart way to adapt our Australian environment.
Avoiding predators, they are active mainly at night time hours but are not nocturnal.
Map
The platypus is found in eastern Australia.
The platypus is found in eastern Australia.
Facts
They live aside freshwater rivers or lakes and create burrows for shelter and protection.
They can swim and stay underwater for up to 10 minutes.
Platypuses’ biggest threats are snakes, goannas, rats and foxes.
They have an average lifespan of 12 years.
They live aside freshwater rivers or lakes and create burrows for shelter and protection.
They can swim and stay underwater for up to 10 minutes.
Platypuses’ biggest threats are snakes, goannas, rats and foxes.
They have an average lifespan of 12 years.