![]() ![]() Lactation – a trait that unifies all mammals – evolved within these primitive therapsids. The sauropsids, the lineage that gave rise to reptiles (including birds), and the lineage that gave rise to therapsids (mammal-like reptiles) split around 315 million years ago (Mya). The platypus ( Ornithorhynchus anatinus) belongs to the mammalian order of Monotremata, whose members (the platypuses and the echidnas) are distinct from all other mammals chiefly because they lay eggs. National Museums of World Culture, Wikimedia commons, CC4. Image: Original artist unknown bark painting c1900-1966 Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. They all agree, and from that time onward Platypus has been known as very wise and very special.Įach animal group has its own special traits, but the platypus has been classed a very special creature ever since the Dreamtime – and I’m inclined to agree. “But it’s not only me - ” he says, “each of us has something that makes us special in our own very special way”. He explains that he shares characteristics with each group, and therefore does not need to join any one group to be special. However, after much deliberation and consultation with his friend Echidna, he respectfully declines all offers. Each of the groups holds its own special meetings, and each invites shy Platypus to join their special family. It begins with the Ancestor Spirits of the birds, of the land creatures, and of the water creatures, telling of why each group is special – flight and laying eggs for the birds, fur and running fast for the land creatures, and swimming for the water creatures. There is a dreaming that tells the story of “ why Platypus is special”. The Australian aboriginal Dreamtime stories describe the events that mark the creation of the natural world and its inhabitants. This week in the wide world of venom series, we introduce the enigmatic platypus.Ī truly unique species - the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus ). Believe it or not, this creature actually exists! With its unusual combination of reptilian and mammalian traits, it’s easy to see it has evoked wonder and disbelief in many of those who have encountered it. Platypuses can only hurt people very badly when they sting, but their poison can kill other animals or make them sick for a long time.Try to imagine an egg-laying, lactating, nipple-less, toothless, stomach-less, venomous mammal. These symptoms may be brought on by the platypus’s venom. The spur prick, on the other hand, may result in painful swelling and intense discomfort that can persist for many days or weeks.ĭepending on the quantity of venom that is injected into the body by the platypus, susceptible individuals may suffer more severe symptoms, such as enhanced sensitivity to pain. There have been no confirmed deaths in humans due to platypus venom. Venom in the spurs hurts when they puncture a skin wound. Since the platypus’s spur ends at a point, getting stung by one feels like getting pricked with a pin. However, they pose a threat to the lives of other creatures, particularly those of smaller mammals. There is little danger that a human being will die from being injected with venom from a platypus.ĭespite the fact that the venom of the platypus is known to produce significant swelling and excruciating agony, the majority of the time it does not pose a threat to human life. Many people avoid eating platypus because there is concern that they may include poisons that are harmful to the human body. On the other hand, platypuses are protected in many countries, making it unlawful to consume them. They are exceedingly dangerous, yet the venom may present only in the barbs, flippers, and other appendages.Īmong the native people of Australia, certain subgroups engage in the practice of platypus hunting for eating. Platypus are mammals, it is likely that they will have the taste of meat, rather than the taste of fish or fowl. Ancient people tried to hunt platypus for eating purposes but now its species are protected and eating them is considered illegal. However their venom is not toxic enough to kill people or other animals. ![]()
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