The Platypus is a very odd animal. It is venomous and sort of a mix between a beaver, a duck, and an otter. It has otter-like feet, a duck-like bill, and a beaver-like tail. Male platypuses have a pouch on their foot that can shoot venom, which is very painful to humans.
Platypuses are responsible for the belief in mermaids.(1) Sailors saw these strange creatures, thinking they were half fish, half women. With the weird animals, and the possibility of drunk sailors, the belief of the mermaid is now throughout the world.
The Facts:
The platypus weighs about 3 lbs, and lives off the coasts of Tasmania and Australia. Their lifespan is generally 12 years.
Resources (MLA citations)
National Geographic. “Platypus” National Geographic Society 2009. 6 Dec 2009
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/platypus.html
(1) Animal Planet. “Platypus” Animal Planet 2009. 6 Dec 2009 http://animal.discovery.com/mammals/platypus/
Thank you for the informative articles and facts about these animals. I have learned so much!
ReplyDeleteThat's the main goal of Mammal Inc. To broaden the knowledge and make you feel closer to animals. Glad to help. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a suggestion for animal of the month. It should spotlight endangered species and include ways to protect them (petitions, etc).
ReplyDeleteHere is an example: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/jaguar/index.html
This website has a lot of information about a variety of endangered species. You can find much information there.
Oh, that'd be cool. Thanks for the suggestion!
ReplyDelete