What is a platypus? (2024)

FAQs

Is a platypus a beaver or a duck? ›

Sometimes known as a duck-billed platypus, this curious mammal combines the characteristics of many different species in one. The platypus is a duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed, egg-laying aquatic creature native to Australia.

The Platypus is a unique Australian species. Along with echidnas, Platypuses are grouped in a separate order of mammals known as monotremes, which are distinguished from all other mammals because they lay eggs.

The platypus is among nature's most unlikely animals. In fact, the first scientists to examine a specimen believed they were the victims of a hoax. The animal is best described as a hodgepodge of more familiar species: the duck (bill and webbed feet), beaver (tail), and otter (body and fur). Males are also venomous.

The platypus tops many people's oddest mammal list, what with its ducklike bill and beaverlike tail. Its closest relatives, the echidnas, don't get the press the platypus gets, but they are pretty weird, too, and are the only other monotremes, or egg-laying mammals, around.

Fast, slippery and dwindling in number, the platypus is difficult to study. There are about 300,000 of the animals remaining in eastern Australia and Tasmania.

Birds and fish are not the only animals that lay eggs. Insects, turtles, lizards, and reptiles lay eggs, too. Only two mammals lay eggs: the platypus and the echidna. All other mammals give birth to live babies.

In their investigation of the platypus genetic blueprint, the scientists found that its genome contains about 18,500 genes, similar to other vertebrates and about two-thirds the size of the human genome. The platypus shares 82 percent of its genes with the human, mouse, dog, opossum and chicken.

The only mammal that produces both milk and eggs is thus the platypus. It seems to have a duck's beak. It is an egg-laying animal that lives in a semi-aquatic environment.

Platypuses are not normally an animal you'd think of as being cuddly and friendly ... but this sweet platypus is absolutely trying to change that.

'One of the reasons I think the modern form is persisting as well as it is in Australian waterways, is that the platypus is a generalist,' Dr Serena says. 'They are intelligent and long-lived, reaching the age of up to 21 years in the wild.

Can a platypus live out of water? ›

The Platypus lives both on land and in water. It is approximately 50 cm in length and is covered in waterproof fur except on its feet and bill. The Platypus has dark brown fur on its back with light brown fur underneath.