Platypus: Weird Animal

Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), also called duckbill, is a small amphibious Australian mammal noted for its odd combination of primitive features and special adaptations, especially the flat, almost comical bill that early observers thought was that of a duck sewn onto the body of a mammal. Adding to its distinctive appearance are conspicuous white patches of fur under the eyes. The fur on the rest of the body is dark to light brown above, with lighter fur on the underside.

The strange appearance of this egg-laying, venomous, beaked duck, tail beaver, otter-footed mammals baffled naturalists Europe at their first meeting, with some arguing develop a fraud. It is one of the few venomous mammals, men Platypus has a spur on the back foot which offers a poison capable of causing pain to humans. The unique characteristics of Platypus make an important topic in the study of evolutionary biology and recognizable and iconic symbol of Australia.