duckbill

DUCKBIIL

The platypus (scientific name: Ornithorhynchus anatinus, from Greek: ornitho, bird + rhynchus, beak, and Latin: ANATI duck + inus, similar to "bird-beak, like duck") is a natural semiaquático mammal of Australia and Tasmania. It is the only living representative of Ornithorhynchidae family, and the only species of the genus Ornithorhynchus. Along with echidnas, form the group of monotremes, the only existing egg-laying mammals. The species is monotypic, ie not have Recognised subspecies or varieties.

The platypus has crepuscular and / or nocturnal. Preferably carnivore, Their diet is based on freshwater crustaceans, insects and worms. It has Several adaptations for life in rivers and lakes, including the interdigital more prominent membranes on forepaws. It is an egg-laying animals Whose female lays about two eggs, incubating for about ten days in a specially constructed nest. The newly hatched monotremes have a similar tooth of the birds (one carúnculo) used in the shell opening; adults do not have teeth. The female does not have breasts, and the milk is directly licked the pores and grooves abdominal. Males have poisonous spurs on the legs, Which are Mainly used for territorial defense and against predators. It has a similar tail of a beaver.