Platypus Parts | National Geographic

Summary

The platypus, an 18th-century enigma to Europeans, is a unique mammal with traits from birds, reptiles, and mammals. Native to eastern Australia and Tasmania, it's known for its broad-billed muzzle and webbed paws. Surprisingly, the platypus is one of the few venomous mammals, with males using their sharp spurs for combat during mating season. These spurs inject a lethal cocktail of compounds, making the once docile creature a deadly predator.

Takeaways

• 🦦 The platypus was initially considered a hoax by 18th-century Europeans due to its peculiar appearance.
• 🐾 It is a unique animal that combines traits from birds, reptiles, and mammals.
• 📏 The platypus is roughly the size of a beaver and has a misleading name; 'Plata' means flat and 'puss' means foot, but its paws are webbed, not flat.
• 🌏 It is native to only two regions: eastern Australia and Tasmania.
• 🦆 The platypus is the last surviving mammal in the genus Ornithorhynchus, which means 'duck-like snout'.
• 🏊‍♂️ It is capable of transforming from a swimmer to a sprinter and from a bird impostor to a mammal.
• 🔍 The platypus hunts non-aggressively, closing its eyes and using its bill to detect vibrations from prey.
• 🗡 Both male and female platypuses are born with sharp spurs on their hind legs, which are used for combat, particularly among males during mating season.
• 🐍 Male platypuses are venomous, and their spurs can inject a lethal cocktail of over 25 compounds.
• 😖 The platypus's sting is extremely painful, causing immediate bleeding and burning, and can be fatal to smaller animals like dogs and cats.
• 🕊️ Despite its deadly capabilities, the platypus is generally docile and uses its venom primarily for self-defense and mating competition.

Q & A

What was the initial European reaction to the platypus when they first saw its drawings?

18th century Europeans thought the platypus was a hoax when they first saw drawings of it due to its peculiar appearance.

How does the platypus combine traits from different types of animals?

The platypus is a one-of-a-kind animal that combines traits from birds, reptiles, and mammals, making it a unique altering species.

What is misleading about the platypus' name in Greek?

The name 'platypus' is misleading as 'Plata' means flat and 'puss' means foot, but the platypus has webbed paws, not flat feet.

Where are the only two places on Earth where the platypus can be found?

The platypus lives in eastern Australia and Tasmania, making these the only two places on the planet where this species is found.

What does the genus name 'Ornithorhynchus' mean and why is it significant for the platypus?

The genus name 'Ornithorhynchus' means 'duck-like snout', which is significant as it describes the platypus' unique feature of having a broad-billed muzzle.

How does the platypus transform from swimmer to sprinter and bird impostor to mammal?

The platypus is capable of remaking itself, transforming its behavior and abilities from a swimmer to a sprinter and from a bird impostor to a mammal, showcasing its adaptability.

What unique hunting method does the platypus use?

The platypus hunts in a non-aggressive manner, closing its eyes and using its broadbill like a homing device with special sensor organs that pick up vibrations from nearby prey.

What makes the platypus one of the only venomous mammals on Earth?

The platypus is one of the only venomous mammals due to the sharp spurs located above the heels of its hind legs, which can inject a lethal cocktail of compounds.

How do male platypuses use their spurs during mating season?

Male platypuses use their spurs for male-to-male combat during mating season, fending off rivals and showing dominance.

What is the primary purpose of the platypus' spurs according to the script?

The primary purpose of the platypus' spurs is for male-to-male combat, as females shed theirs at three months of age.

What effect does the platypus' sting have on its victims, and which animals are mentioned as examples?

The platypus' sting causes excruciating pain, bleeding, and burning. Dogs and cats are mentioned as examples of animals that can be fatally affected by the sting.