ANIMAL CURIOSITIES

The platypus, one of only five mammal species in the world to lay eggs

The platypus is a small semi-aquatic mammal native to eastern Australia.

It is one of five extant species of egg-laying mammals and its name literally means bird snout. What mainly characterises this animal is its unique physiology.

The platypus has webbed feet and a broad, hard snout that resembles that of a duck. It also has its body and broad flat tail completely covered in brown fur.

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The unique characteristic of the platypus
The platypus is a small, semi-aquatic mammal native to eastern Australia. It is one of five extant species of egg-laying mammals and its name literally means bird's snout. What mainly characterises this animal is its unique physiology.
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The incredible features of the platypus
The platypus has webbed feet and a broad hard snout reminiscent of a duck. It also has its body and broad flat tail completely covered in brown fur.
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The size of the platypus
The size of the platypus can vary greatly. It weighs between less than a kilo and more than two kilos, while its length varies from 30 to 40 centimetres and that of its tail from 10 to 15 centimetres. Male specimens can be a third larger than females.
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The venom of the male platypus
Perhaps not everyone knows that the male platypus has a hollow spur in its hind legs that it uses to inject venom to defend itself against predators or in fights for territory. If a male comes into contact with the venom, he may feel intense and immediate pain even though it is not lethal. In contrast, the venom can be lethal to dogs and small pets.
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Aboriginal legend
A legend of the Australian Aborigines says that the platypus is said to be a crossbreed generated by the encounter between a solitary duck and a water rat that kidnapped it. The duck, as a result of the violence it suffered, would give birth to two webbed but four-legged puppies with beaks and fur.
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