So seemingly incongruous was the appearance of platypus specimens shipped to England at the end of the 18th century, that many observers assumed it was the fraudulent work of a skilled taxidermist (3)(4) (5). Even after the specimens were found to be authentic, it was sometime before scientists concluded that the ‘amphibious mole’ was in fact a mammal, albeit the most evolutionary distinct mammal alive (3) (5) (6). The distinctive features that make the platypus so instantly recognisable are its duck-like bill, dense, waterproof fur, webbed feet, and broad, flattened tail (3) (7) (8). The plush pelage that covers its stream-lined body is deep brown above, and silvery grey to yellow underneath (3) (6) (8). The limbs are extremely short, with the heavily webbed front-feet providing propulsion through water, while the hind-feet act more like rudders (3). In male platypuses, the rear ankles are equipped with a horny spur connected by a duct to venom gland, which is used to inflict wounds on natural predators and other males (3) (7) (8). Although, the characteristic muzzle of the platypus resembles that of a duck, it is actually soft and rubbery, and contains no true teeth
Video..http://www.arkive.org/platypus/ornithorhynchus-anatinus/video-00.html
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