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| Platypus | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| 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