The Platypus Case

THE PLATYPUS

The platypus is probably the weirdest and most different mammal on the planet. The platypus has a very unique classification name with Ornithorhynchus anatinus and under a sub family with the echidna. Platypuses tend to live near streams and rivers in the eastern Australia growing up to at least 30 inches. The platypus is one of five mammals to lay eggs rather than give birth to their offspring.

The platypus is constructed much like a duck, beaver, and otter. It resembles a duck because of its distinct bill and webbed feet. It looks like a beaver because of its flat tail much like what the beaver has for patting down its dams. And finally, a otter because of its distinct body and fur. The platypus also has three layers for his protection and other needs. Their inside layer traps air and keeps it warm. The middle layer acts like a wet suit. And finally, an outer layer to feel if its close to objects and various foods.

The platypus uses a much different way to find food in the wilderness, they use their bill. They have special skin that covers their eyes and ears to prevent water to enter. Relying just on its very sensitive bill to find food for itself. They scoop up many insects and larvae, shellfish, and worms. Since platypuses don't have teeth, they store their food in their cheek pouches, mashing them for consumption, with help of the scooped up gravel.

The platypus has very many advantages going for them. Males posses venomous sharp stingers on the heels of their rear feet. They can kill a dog with how much poison they have or badly injure a human. They also tend to sleep during the day and come out around dusk or dawn often avoiding many dangerous predators. They are excellent swimmers and divers with their webbed feet made for swimming. They can also live to 17 years of age.

The platypus also has disadvantages as well. They tend to live in many burrows where their offspring are an easy target because of the limited space to escape in burrows. They are also technically blind when they are swimming in the water, which is a big disadvantage for them since they are only relying on their duck shaped bill.