Platypus

This article is about the mammal. For the genus see ambrosia beetle. For the progressive rock band see Platypus (band)

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The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a small, half-aquatic mammal endemic to the eastern part of Australia, and one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young (the other four are echidnas). It is the sole representative of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus), though a number of fossilised relatives have been found, some of them also in the Ornithorhynchus genus.

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The platypus is considered one of the strangest specimens of the animal kingdom: a venomous, egg-laying, duck-billed mammal. Its uniqueness makes it a recognisable faunal symbol of Australia (behind the kangaroo and koala), and a platypus features on the reverse of the Australian 20 cent coin.

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Platypus (band): Platypus is the name of a now-defunct progressive rock band that consisted of members from Dream Theater, King's X and Dixie Dregs....

Aquatic: The term aquatic refers to water and can be either a noun or an adjective. Dictionary definitions do not specify what kind of water, although in both general use and in the sciences, the implication is that of fresh water. The term marine is typically substituted where reference to salt water is i...

Endemic: Endemic, in a broad sense, can mean belonging or native to, characteristic of, or prevalent in a particular geography, race, field, area, or environment; Native to an area or scope....

Platypus related Images and Photos (experimental)

Wombat and Platypus

An Elevated View of a Platypus Featuring its Bill

Ornithorhynchus Anatinus Duck-Billed Platypus