2007-05-23 23:48:48 · 12 answers · asked by Delirius 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five 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.
The bizarre appearance of this egg-laying, duck-billed mammal baffled naturalists when it was first discovered, with some considering it an elaborate fraud. It is one of the few venomous mammals; the male Platypus has a spur on the hind foot which delivers a poison capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the Platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology and a recognizable and iconic symbol of Australia; it has appeared as a mascot at national events and is featured on the reverse of the Australian 20-cent coin.
Until the early 20th century it was hunted for its fur, but it is now protected throughout its range. Although captive breeding programs have had only limited success and the Platypus is vulnerable to the effects of pollution, it is not under any immediate threat.
2007-05-23 23:49:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes that;s a funny looking animal for...A ex friend of mine from here emailed me his picture about 4months ago and he makes the platypus look normal as this guy is about 90 pounds soak and wet and he;s calling him self a wrestler.he couldn;t wrestle the paper bag off his head with both arms,lol,now that's strange lol,
2016-05-21 09:43:52 · answer #2 · answered by rose 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a duck like creature indigenous to Australia.
2007-05-23 23:51:58 · answer #3 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its an Australian marsupial
A mammal capable of laying eggs
its got a bill like aduck and a flat tail and is aquatic but is land loving too and lives near streams like otters do
see link
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.davidlnelson.md/Cazadero/CazImages/Platypus.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.davidlnelson.md/Cazadero/Answer_Platypus.htm&h=328&w=493&sz=21&hl=en&start=6&sig2=jOSHUGvBAQbUb1Sn5uWUZQ&tbnid=tbZj1MKJkq-FRM:&tbnh=86&tbnw=130&ei=Rm5VRvbaH4Ka0wTz-82bAw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dduck%2Bbilled%2Bplatypus%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den
2007-05-23 23:52:35 · answer #4 · answered by ~*tigger*~ ** 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry Dodo
but copying a response from whatever source without citing it is feeble.
:)
2007-05-23 23:51:38 · answer #5 · answered by David R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An animal designed by a committee.
2007-05-23 23:52:29 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
go to wikipedia. it's a poisonous mammal that lays eggs. the pain from the poison could kill u
2007-05-23 23:52:17 · answer #7 · answered by Spectator 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a mammel
looks haf duck half beaver though
2007-05-24 04:15:58 · answer #8 · answered by dancing darlings 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An Australian mammal.
2007-05-23 23:51:01 · answer #9 · answered by fletchfredarnie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to http://www.platypus.org.uk/ it's much more reliable than Wikipedia.
2007-05-24 02:48:40 · answer #10 · answered by chillipope 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋