Platypus: Difference between revisions
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* {{cite web |url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Ornithorhynchus_anatinus.html |title="Ornithorhynchus anatinus", ''Animal Diversity Web''|accessdate=23 August 2008 |last=Ojo, E. |first=Omland, K}} | * {{cite web |url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Ornithorhynchus_anatinus.html |title="Ornithorhynchus anatinus", ''Animal Diversity Web''|accessdate=23 August 2008 |last=Ojo, E. |first=Omland, K}} | ||
* {{cite journal | last = Pasitschniak-Arts | first = Maria | authorlink = | * {{cite journal | last = Pasitschniak-Arts | first = Maria | authorlink = | coauthors = Marinelli, Lui | title = Ornithorhynchus anatinus | journal = Mammalian Species | volume = 585 | pages = 1–9 | date = 1998}} | ||
Revision as of 17:44, 27 August 2008
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| Ornithorhynchus anatinus Shaw, 1799 | ||||||||||||||
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Genus: |
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is the only living semiaquatic monotreme, and the only species of the genus Ornithorhynchus. The only other members of the order Monotremata (monotremes) are the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatis) from Australia and the long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus bruijni) from New Guinea. Like all monotremes, the platypus lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young (in which respect the members of this order differ from all other mammals).
Range and habitat
The platypus is found only in the wetter parts of south-eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania. They inhabit rivers, lagoons and streams of less than 5 m depth, preferring to live in steep-banked areas where there are roots, overhanging vegetation, reeds and logs. They have been recorded at elevations greater than 1,000 m.
Physical description
Reproduction
Lifespan
Although there is little evidence about their lifespan, it is believed that platypuses may live up to 12 years in the wild.
Diet
The primary diet of platypuses is aquatic invertebrates. They also eat small fish, fish eggs and shrimp.
Behaviour
Predators
References
- Ojo, E., Omland, K. "Ornithorhynchus anatinus", Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved on 23 August 2008.
- Pasitschniak-Arts, Maria; Marinelli, Lui (1998). "Ornithorhynchus anatinus". Mammalian Species 585: 1–9.