PLATYPUS

Abdul Majid Hasani XI IA 4 01

 Platypus is mammal endemic to eastern Australia, native Tasmania. Many people in the world call platypus duckbill because platypus has bill like a ducks bill. Although platypus lays egg, it classified to mammal because platypus nurses its child with milk.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

 Platypus is Australian fauna emblems, just like kangaroo and koala. It has appeared as a mascot at national events and is featured on the reverse of the Australian 20 cent coin.

DESCRIPTION

PART OF THE BODY

Platypus body is covered by thick brown fur. Its body length is 30 45 cm. Weight varies considerably from 0.7 to 2.4 kg. Most of male platypus is bigger than female platypus. The function of its fur is to keep the body warm. The fur is waterproof.

 Platypus uses its tail for storage of fat reserves. Platypus has webbed feet, just like duck. The function of its bill is to detect prey and stirring up mud. Usually, platypus eats worm, larvae, and yabbie. The bill also used to be sensor organ. Platypus eyes and head are small. It has no ears

HABITS

Platypus is nocturnal and semi-aquatic mammal. Platypus is a good swimmer and usually stays in the water. Platypus lives in streams, rivers, and lakes.

Female platypus digs burrows in the river banks; the burrows are blocked with soil to protect it from another predator or flooding. Usually, platypus fights with another platypus for annexation.