Scientific Name：Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Author:Gary Pegg

Category：Mammals

Year：Undated

Size:Length:21 x Width:13 x Height:20 (cm)

Introduction：The platypus is a unique oviparous mammal. It is a monotreme, referring to the cloaca, which is the exit for digestive, urinary and genital organs. Scientists believe that the way a platypus lays eggs is similar to birds and reptiles, which is considered to be the evidence of common ancestor. The platypus has a unique appearance — a bill like a duck, no visible ears, small eyes, flat tail, webbed feet and all four limbs protruding from the side of the body, making it look like a reptile when moving on land. The spur on the male's hind limb, called calcaneus spur, produces venom, which is primarily used as a weapon to assert dominance during the breeding season.

The platypus is generally thought to be nocturnal and solitary, and is most active at dawn and dusk. While swimming, it uses its sensitive electroreceptors and mechanoreceptors in its bill to detect prey and objects in the water. Platypus likes living in burrows on riverside banks, where females lay their leathery eggs and keep them warm by embracing them. After around 10 days of external incubation, the eggs hatched. Females do not have nipples, so offspring must lick secretions from mammary glands under the mother's stomach. The platypus is an iconic symbol of Australia and is featured on its 20-cent coin.

In the past, the species was widely hunted for its fur, and pollution in habitats also contributed to a steep decline in populations. It is currently listed as an internationally protected species.

Accession number:0007338