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Platypus
Platypus
General information
Universe Real Life
Aliases Duckmole
Classification Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Species type Monotreme
Homeworld Earth
Environment Australia
Intelligence Non-sapient
Biochemistry Carbon-based lifeform
Biological information
Average weight 0.7 to 2.4 kg (1.5 to 5.3 lb)
Average length Male: 50 cm (20 in)
Female: 43 cm (17 in)
Locomotion Quadrupedal, swimminig
Feeding behavior Insectivore
Lineage information
Cultural information
Alignment Neutral
Sociocultral characteristics
Members (Sapient versions) Perry the Platypus, Dr. Starline
Scientific taxonomy
Planet Earth
Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Animalia
Subkingdom Eumetazoa
Infrakingdom Bilateria
Superphylum Deuterostomia
Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Infraphylum Gnathostomata
Superclass Tetrapoda
Class Mammalia
Order Monotremata
Family Ornithorhynchidae
Genus Ornithorhynchus
Species O. anatinus
Other information
Status Least Concern

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semiaquatic egg-laying mammal of action, endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth. It is the sole living representative of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus), though a number of related species have been found in the fossil record.

The unusual appearance of this egg-laying, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammal baffled European naturalists when they first encountered it, with some considering it an elaborate fraud. It is one of the few venomous mammals, the male platypus having a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology.

Until the early 20th century, it was hunted for its fur, but it is now protected throughout its range. Although captive breeding programs have had only limited success and the platypus is vulnerable to the effects of pollution, it is not under any immediate threat.

Related fictional species[]

Several fictional species have been based upon the platypus. Known species are listed below:

  • Anatinus
  • Platterkat
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