Article
Article
Platypus
Article By:
Curtin, Charles B. Department of Biology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska.
Last reviewed:January 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.527700
The single species Ornithorhynchus anatinus of the family Ornithorhynchidae in the order Monotremata, which occurs in eastern Australia and Tasmania. This mammal is a monotreme, which lays eggs and incubates them in a manner similar to birds. The platypus is also known as the duckbill, duckmole, and water mole. One of the most primitive mammals, it retains some reptilian characteristics. The female lacks a marsupium; however, marsupial or epipubic bones are well developed.
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