Platypus
Its Amazing Adaptation:The platypus’ amazing adaptation is its poisonous spur. It is a 15mm spike located on the back ankle and is connected to a venom gland. It can inject poison which is a colourless liquid containing some proteins. This spur is really sharp when used with great force. It can be exceptionally dangerous to another platypus and can even kill
some small animals like feral cats when defending themselves. We must remember that the platypus is a very fast swimmer and can escape most predators, but it is also a land animal. When it is on land the platypus is easy prey for other animals. This is why the spur is an important adaptation. The platypus can now protect itself and is able to survive attacks while on land. This spur can only be found on an adult male platypus. Young males have spurs, but they are covered by a sheath (cover). By the age of two, the spur has finally finished growing and the sheath has broken down, but it can still be seen at the base of the spur. Males use their spurs to compete and fight for females during the breeding season. The poisonous spur makes the platypus the only Australian mammal that is venomous and is an incredible display of adaptation. |
References:
Australian Museum, www.australianmuseum.net.au/Platypus/, Retrieved 6 November 2013
Australian Platypus Conservancy, www.platypus.asn.au/earning_their_spurs.html, Retrieved 6 November 2013
Australian Platypus Conservancy, www.platypus.asn.au/care/where_to_look.html, Retrieved 6 November 2013
Enchanted Learning, www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/platypus/Duckbillprintout.shtml, Retrieved 7 November 2013
Australian Museum, www.australianmuseum.net.au/Platypus/, Retrieved 6 November 2013
Australian Platypus Conservancy, www.platypus.asn.au/earning_their_spurs.html, Retrieved 6 November 2013
Australian Platypus Conservancy, www.platypus.asn.au/care/where_to_look.html, Retrieved 6 November 2013
Enchanted Learning, www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/platypus/Duckbillprintout.shtml, Retrieved 7 November 2013