The Platypus

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal endemic species in eastern Australia and Tasmania. It is one of the five species along with four echidna that survive today in the order of monotremes, group gathers only current egg-laying mammals instead of giving birth to live young. It is the only living representative of the family and gender Ornithorhynchidae Ornithorhynchus.


Defense of platypus

Although both males and females are born with ankle spurs, only the male release poison, composed mainly defensin-like proteins (DLP), three of which are unique to the platypus. Defensins are produced by the immune system. Although the venom is powerful enough to kill small, or even dogs animals, is not lethal to humans, but after a sting soon edema around the wound which gradually spreads over the affected limb and cause featured a pain so intense that it can not even be calmed with morphine.