English classPoisonous Animal

PLATYPUSProfessor : Christopher YUKNA

Michitaka UCHINO

November 2013

DescriptionThe platypus is one of the most easily identifiable animals.

Duck-like billBroad flat tail

Thick waterproof fur

Webbed frond feet

Partially webbed hind feetDeep brown fur on its back and top of head.Golden or silky grey underneath.

DescriptionWeight [g] Length [cm]

Females 　 900 43Males 1700 50

All platypus are born with ankle spurs,Only males has two venom glands attached to spurs on hind feet.

DistributionPlatypus live in a particular domain in the world.

Distribution

Australia

Tasmania

Cooktown

Range does not extend much past the “Great Dividing Range” in most areas but as far west as western Victoria.

Great Dividing Range

Victoria

Habitat

Freshwater streams, lakes or rivers, including artificial dams.

Alpine to tropical area.

Dietary patternFoods Fish eggs, Worms, Insects, Crustaceans, Tadpoles, Larvae of mayflies, two- winged flies and shrimps.

Almost totally in the water and mainly on bottom-dwelling prey.

Mostly in the early morning and evening.

Closes its eyes and ears when diving for food but receives information through the bill that navigates and locates prey in the water.

VenomThe males spurs are connected to a venom-producing gland in the thigh.

The males is capable of producing a venom peptide cocktail and injecting it through his spurs.

The venom• Causes pain and hyperalgesia.• Powerful enough to kill smaller animals such as dogs.

Venom

The venom of the platypus is partly composed of ‘defensin-like’ proteins.

Defensin proteins are produced by the immune system of the platypus, and are also produced as an antibiotic in the milk of some marsupials to help bolster immunity of young koalas, wallabies and other species.

Summary

You shouldn’t cuddle “male platypuses” no matter how adorable their funny little bills

may look to you !

Thank you for your attention !

Reference material

http://www.wildlife.org.au/wildlife/speciesprofile/mammals/platypus.html

http://www.australianfauna.com/platypus.php

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Platypus

http://bookofbeasts.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/platypus/

http://ferrebeekeeper.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/1953/

http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/news/evolution-platypus-venom-revealed/