Platypus – An Introduction
Saturday, October 7th, 2006The Platypus is a unique animal native to Australia. It has webbed feet and a large, rubbery snout that are more reminiscent of a duck’s features than those of any known mammal. Along with the echidna it is second egg-laying mammal in the world. The male platypus has venomous ankle spurs which produce a cocktail of venom; the venom is not lethal to humans but will produce excruciating pain — so intense that the victim may be incapacitated. The platypus is an excellent swimmer and spends much of its time in the water foraging for food. When swimming they are distinguished from other Australian mammals by the absence of visible ears. It keeps its eyes tightly shut when swimming, relying completely on its other senses. All four feet of the platypus are webbed. When it swims, it propels itself by paddling with the front two feet. The tail and hind feet assist in steering but not propulsion.
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