platypus

The platypus is one of nature’s most mysterious creatures. Just take a look at it. It has a bill like a duck, feet and fur like an otter and a flat tail like a beaver. On top of that, itlays eggs like a bird. No wonder some scientists once thought it wasn’t real and, even now, the platypus still raises eyebrows and questions. Below, we answer some of them.

A: The platypus may seem like a mythical creature, but it is real and it exists in our world today. Scientists believe the platypus has been around for about 100,000 years, though it was only discovered in the late 18th century.

A: Although the platypus lays eggs like birds and reptiles, it is actually considered a mammal. In fact, it is one of only five living species of egg-laying mammals (called monotremes). Like other mammals, the platypus feeds its young milk. It is warm-blooded, which means it can keep itself warm or cold, and it has fur. In fact, the platypus has very thick fur, and it’s waterproof, too.

The platypus walks like a reptile, though, because of its unique bone structure. And a female platypus has two ovaries, but, like many birds, only the left one works. Why? That remains a mystery.

Is the platypus a marsupial? No. The female platypus does not have a pouch. She lays her eggs and keeps them warm with her body. The females of the other four monotreme species (the echidnas, or spiny anteaters) do have temporary pouches where they lay their eggs, but are still not classified as marsupials, which by definition have permanent pouches.

A: Platypuses can only be found in one area in the world — southeast Australia and the nearby island of Tasmania. They are found near rivers, since they spend a lot of time in the water and make their burrows on the muddy banks.

A: A duck-billed platypus’ diet consist of shrimp, crayfish, insects, insect larvae and worms. It hunts in the water, finding food through electroreception. What this means is that it has special sensors on its bill that detect the electric signals sent by other creatures in the water.