Animals with tails of beaver, oversized ducklings and poisonous seal legs

Platypus is a species that combines many characteristics of other species such as the flat tail of beaver, webbed legs like seals and oversized ducklings. Platypus and porcupines are the only two mammal species on the planet that lay eggs. Both species are native species in Australia. Rivers and lakes in southeastern Australia are the ideal place to see platypus. Platypus are very shy and live at night.

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Ornithorhynchus anatinus is a semi-endemic aquatic mammal in eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Along with four species of porcupine mammals, it is one of five surviving monogamous animals, the only mammals that lay eggs in lieu of babies.

Picture 1 of Animals with tails of beaver, oversized ducklings and poisonous seal legs

It is the only species in the family of Ornithorhynchidae and Ornithorhynchus, although they have some extinct relatives found in fossils. The distinctive characteristics of this species are egg laying, duck beaks, beaver tails, seal feet that make it difficult for European naturalists to see it for the first time, some consider it a hoax. vi.

Picture 2 of Animals with tails of beaver, oversized ducklings and poisonous seal legs

This is one of the few venomous mammals, the male has a spindle in the hind legs that contains a poison capable of causing serious pain to humans. The unique characteristics of platypus make it an important topic in the study of evolutionary biology and a symbol of Australia; It appears as a mascot at national events and on the reverse side of the 20-cent coin. Platypus is a symbolic animal of New South Wales.

Different weights are from 0.7 to 2.4 kg (1.5 to 5.3 lb), males are larger than females; males average an average of 50cm (20 in), females 43cm (17 in), with significant changes in average size from one region to another, this does not seem to follow any climate rules. .

Picture 3 of Animals with tails of beaver, oversized ducklings and poisonous seal legs

Both male and female duck beaks are spotted in the ankles, only spawning males produce venom. The main component of venom is proteins like defensin (DLPs), three of which are unique in platypus. DLPs are created by platypus immune systems.

Although strong enough to kill small animals like dogs, venom does not kill people, but too intense pain can make the victim blink at full power. The swelling will quickly develop around the wound and spread gradually. Information obtained from historical cases and witnesses shows that the pain developed into hyperalgesia (a highly sensitive wound) persists for days and even months.

Picture 4 of Animals with tails of beaver, oversized ducklings and poisonous seal legs

Since only males produce venom and produce more during the breeding season, it can be used as an offensive weapon to assert superiority during this period.