Life cycle of the platypus

The platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus[3] sometimes referred to as the duck-billed platypus[4] is a semiaquaticegg-laying mammal endemic to eastern Australiaincluding Tasmania.

Platypuses are strange animals both adored and misunderstood by their many unique characteristics including otter-like feet, beaver tails, duck bills and venomous spurs. Their life cycle is equally interesting, as they are one of only five types of mammals to be born from an egg. After mating, the female platypus will lay between one and three small eggs, similar to those of reptiles. The eggs develop inside of her body for about four weeks, then are laid in a dirt burrow for about 10 days. The incubation has three stages.

Life cycle of the platypus

Log In Join. View Wish List View Cart. Middle school. High school. Adult education. Resource type. Independent work. Independent work packet. Graphic organizers. Task cards. Flash cards. Teacher tools.

Earth sciences. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. The average foraging periods last for hours per day, and the distances the animals move during this time vary between individuals and their distribution.

D uckbill Platypus is a very unique animal that lays eggs and is classified as a mammal. Due to this uniqueness, it is a very interesting animal to learn. We have listed down complete Platypus Facts for Kids that will help you in learning all about Platypus. The following are the major physical or structural and physiological adaptations of the platypus:. Australia, the land of stunning beaches, vast outback, and adorable koalas, is also home to some….

The platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus , [3] sometimes referred to as the duck-billed platypus , [4] is a semiaquatic , egg-laying mammal endemic to eastern Australia , including Tasmania. The platypus is the sole living representative or monotypic taxon of its family Ornithorhynchidae and genus Ornithorhynchus , though a number of related species appear in the fossil record. Together with the four species of echidna , it is one of the five extant species of monotremes , mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Like other monotremes, the platypus senses prey in cloudy water through electrolocation. It is one of the few species of venomous mammals , as the male platypus has a spur on the hind foot that delivers an extremely painful venom.

Life cycle of the platypus

The platypus is among nature's most unlikely animals. In fact, the first scientists to examine a specimen believed they were the victims of a hoax. The animal is best described as a hodgepodge of more familiar species: the duck bill and webbed feet , beaver tail , and otter body and fur. Males are also venomous. They have sharp stingers on the heels of their rear feet and can use them to deliver a strong toxic blow to any foe.

Wantedly

Fossils description The fossil record for monotremes is poor in comparison to that of other groups of mammals, and until recently little was known about their evolutionary history. Hence, the ideal habitat for the species includes a river or a stream with earth banks and native vegetation that provides shading of the stream and cover near the bank. Amarillodon Austrotriconodon Bondesius Casamiquelia Lakotalestes? School counseling. Life history cycle Young Platypuses do not seem to reproduce in their first year of life, instead, both sexes become reproductive in their second year. Of these, only two of the three animals introduced in , Penelope and Cecil, [] lived longer than eighteen months. Basic operations. She carries plants from the water's edge by curling her tail around the bundles. If you use any part of this in your own work, acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this: Sydenham, Shirley. Retrieved 24 October

Museum model of a nesting female platypus, curled around her eggs to incubate them.

Archived from the original on 12 October Platypus is well adapted for semi-aquatic lifestyle. The latter is million years old and represents one of Australia's oldest mammals. There have been anecdotal reports of the species being predated on by crocodiles, goannas, carpet pythons, eagles and large native fish. Retrieved 14 May Native threats like dingoes, Tasmanian devils, monitor lizards, snakes, and water rats also await. This elaborate burrow is much deeper and blocked at intervals with plugs, which may protect her eggs from predators or rising waters, or regulate humidity and temperature in the burrow. Main article: Platypus venom. Tiny, naked babies hatch from the eggs after about ten days. Length from tip of bill to tip of tail: males 16 to 25 inches 40 to 63 centimeters ; females 15 to 22 inches 37 to 55 centimeters. Breeding behaviours The breeding season of the Platypus varies with distribution and within populations. Annette Breedlove. Pregnant females spend time building a cozy nest, nursing and nurturing their young, and foraging for food.