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Identification
Platypus bodies measure around 15 inches in length and are covered in fur which is dark brown on the animal's back and is usually gray on its belly. The waterproof upper layer of fur covers a rougher layer that helps the platypus keep warm. The platypus has four legs located on the sides of its body, ending in webbed feet. A wide, flat, furry tail adds up to 5 additional inches to the length of a platypus. One of the most distinctive characteristics of the platypus is a long, broad bill that has a soft, rubbery texture.
Physical Adaptations
The platypus has a range of adaptations that help it thrive in its habitat, particularly when hunting for food. Platypuses have a carnivorous diet made up of underwater prey such as crustaceans, insects and mollusks. The platypus has webbed feet which help it to swim effectively and a broad tail that is used for controlling direction. The webbing can be drawn back on land to reveal toes with sharp claws. However, platypus feet are far much more effective underwater. The platypus uses its wide bill to collect food from the bottom of a body of water. The bill also contains electro-receptors which help the platypus locate prey underwater. When the platypus is underwater, folds of skin protect its eyes, nostrils and ears.
Characteristics for Defense
Male platypuses are able to defend themselves from potential predators by delivering a powerful, venomous blow with spurs located on the backs of their hind feet. The venom is produced by a gland called the crural gland. Although platypus venom is capable of killing smaller animals, it is not lethal to larger animals such as humans. However, a sting from a platypus is still an effective deterrent against larger animals as it is extremely painful. Female platypuses are not venomous.
Features of a Monotreme
The platypus belongs to a small group of egg-laying mammals called monotremes. Echidnas are the only other living monotremes. The platypus mating season occurs during the spring and results in the female producing between one and three eggs after a short gestation period of only 21 days. Most other living mammals have a longer gestation period and give birth to live young. Young platypuses hatch from their eggs after a period of around 10 days. Newly-hatched young are still relatively underdeveloped and are nursed by their mother for between three and four months before gaining independence. The female platypus has mammary glands as other mammals do and produces milk from pores in her skin located on the sides of her belly.