The platypus is semiaquatic, inhabiting small streams and rivers over an extensive range from the cold highlands of Tasmania and the Australian Alps. source
The platypus is semiaquatic, inhabiting small streams and rivers over an extensive range from the cold highlands of Tasmania and the Australian Alps.
The platypus retires to a short, straight resting burrow of oval cross-section, nearly always in the riverbank not far above water level. source
The platypus retires to a short, straight resting burrow of oval cross-section, nearly always in the riverbank not far above water level.
The average sleep time of a platypus is said to be as long as 14 hours per day. source
The average sleep time of a platypus is said to be as long as 14 hours per day.
The platypus is a carnivore: it feeds on annelid worms, insect larvae, freshwater shrimp. source
The platypus is a carnivore: it feeds on annelid worms, insect larvae, freshwater shrimp.
The platypus digs out of the riverbed with its snout or catches while swimming. source
The platypus digs out of the riverbed with its snout or catches while swimming.
The platypus uses cheek-pouches to carry prey to the surface, where it is eaten. source
The platypus uses cheek-pouches to carry prey to the surface, where it is eaten.
The platypus needs to eat about 20% of its own weight each day, which requires it to spend an average of 12 hours daily looking for food. source
The platypus needs to eat about 20% of its own weight each day, which requires it to spend an average of 12 hours daily looking for food.
Outside the mating season, the platypus lives in a simple ground burrow, the entrance of which is about 30 cm (12 in) above the water level. source
Outside the mating season, the platypus lives in a simple ground burrow, the entrance of which is about 30 cm (12 in) above the water level.
After mating, the female constructs a deeper, more elaborate burrow up to 20 m (66 ft) long and blocked at intervals with plugs. source
After mating, the female constructs a deeper, more elaborate burrow up to 20 m (66 ft) long and blocked at intervals with plugs.
The male platypu takes no part in caring for its young, and retreats to his year-long burrow. source
The male platypu takes no part in caring for its young, and retreats to his year-long burrow.
The female platypus has a pair of ovaries, but only the left one is functional source
The female platypus has a pair of ovaries, but only the left one is functional
The platypus' genes are a possible evolutionary link between the mammalian XY and bird/reptile ZW sex-determination systems. source
The platypus' genes are a possible evolutionary link between the mammalian XY and bird/reptile ZW sex-determination systems.
The platypus lays one to three (usually two) small, leathery eggs . source
The platypus lays one to three (usually two) small, leathery eggs .
The platypus and other monotremes were very poorly understood, and some of the 19th century myths that grew up around them. source
The platypus and other monotremes were very poorly understood, and some of the 19th century myths that grew up around them.
The platypus is kept, for conservation purposes, in special aquariums at the Australian wildlife sanctuaries. source
The platypus is kept, for conservation purposes, in special aquariums at the Australian wildlife sanctuaries.
In captivity, platypuses have survived to 17 years of age, and wild specimens have been recaptured when 11 years old. source
In captivity, platypuses have survived to 17 years of age, and wild specimens have been recaptured when 11 years old.
