The platypus is the sole living representative of its family ( Ornithorhynchidae) and genus ( Ornithorhynchus ), though a number of related species appear in the fossil record.
Why does the platypus have a venomous spur?
The venom-delivering spur is found only on the male’s hind limbs. The platypus is one of the few living mammals to produce venom. Males have a pair of spurs on their hind limbs that secrete venom that is only seasonally active to breeding season, supporting the theory that the use of venom is for competition of mates only, not protection.
Why is the platypus so important to Australia?
The unique features of the platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology, and a recognisable and iconic symbol of Australia. It has appeared as a mascot at national events and features on the reverse of the Australian twenty-cent coin, and the platypus is the animal emblem of the state of New South Wales.
What is the function of defensins in platypuses?
The function of defensins is to cause lysis in pathogenic bacteria and viruses, but in platypuses they also are formed into venom for defence. Although powerful enough to kill smaller animals such as dogs, the venom is not lethal to humans, but the pain is so excruciating that the victim may be incapacitated.
What does a platypus look like on land?
The platypus looks similar to a beaver with a brown, furry body and wide, flat tail. Unlike a beaver, it has no feet (no toes ), which are good for swimming. When the platypus moves on land, it walks on its knuckles so the webs on its feet will not get in the way. Its nose is large and rubbery.
What is the full form of TCP/IP?
The full form or TCP/IP model explained as Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol. TCP supports flexible architecture; Four layers of TCP/IP model are 1) Application Layer 2) Transport Layer 3) Internet Layer 4) Network Interface; Application layer interacts with an application program, which is the highest level of OSI model.
Who created the TCP/IP model of the Internet?
DARPA, an agency of the United States Department of Defense ,created it in the 1970s. It evolved from ARPANET, which was an early wide area network and a predecessor of the Internet. The TCP/IP Model is sometimes called the Internet Model or less often the DoD Model. This model was being made at the same time as the OSI Model was created.
Where does the platypus live in Australia?
Distribution Platypus is endemic to Australia and is dependent on rivers, streams and bodies of freshwater. It is present in eastern Queensland and New South Wales, eastern, central and southwestern Victoria and throughout Tasmania. The western limits of the range are poorly known.
What does a platypus look like in real life?
The platypus looks similar to a beaver with a brown, furry body and wide, flat tail. Unlike a beaver, it has no feet (no toes), which are good for swimming. When the platypus moves on land, it walks on its knuckles so the webs on its feet will not get in the way. Its nose is large and rubbery.
What are the similarities between a platypus and a spiny ant eater?
The platypus is highly modified for aquatic life and spiny ant-eaters are terrestrial. Both are burrowing in habit, both burrow and make nests for rearing their youngs. Both are insectivorous, nocturnal, warm-blooded, quadrupedal and oviparous. Body of platypus is flattened and covered with a dense, soft under-fur protected by harsher outer fur.
