duck-billed 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 duck-billed platypus

  • Like a duck, this monotreme has webbed feet & its snout looks like a duck's too
  • The scientific name of this egg-laying mammal, ornithorincus, means "bird-snout"
  • It's the unusual mammal seen here
  • This taxonomic troublemaker from Australia is known scientifically as Ornithorhyncus anatinus
  • Found Down Under, it's the sole member of the family Ornithorhynchidae
  • Once hunted for its pelt, this Australian monotreme is now protected by law

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