sexta-feira, 18 de outubro de 2013

Platypus



Platypus

Popular Name: Platypus
Scientific Name: Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Geographical Distribution: Eastern Section of the island of Tasmania and Australia.
Natural Habitat: Rivers and freshwater lakes, and underground tunnels digging in the soil.
Eating habits: The platypus is carnivorous and feeds on insects, worms and freshwater crustaceans.
Size: 40 cm 13 cm longer tail.
Weight: Enough to weigh up to 4 kg.
Gestation period: The platypus is the only mammal that lays eggs.
The incubation period of the eggs is 10 days.
Number of pups: 2 or 3 eggs each.
Average lifetime: 15 years
Conservation status of the species: Pollution of rivers and lakes has destroyed a significant population of platypuses.




4 curiosities about the platypus

  • They are poisonous- Platypuses keep a very powerful poison claws, and the liquid is strong enough to kill a dog or cause blistering pain.

  • They have extra-sensory methods to hunt- The platypus uses sensors that detect electrical vibrations that captures the movements of their prey.

  • Even being a mammal, the platypus does not have nipples. Milk is secreted by glands and released through these pores, which the pup must lick. A very unorthodox way.

  • It is one of the only mammals that lay eggs.

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