![]() Through their analysis, researchers found similarities between platypus and birds, but not so much between platypus and humans. Humans, meanwhile, have two sex chromosomes. The monotreme has 10 sex chromosomes: five X chromosomes and five Y chromosomes. This genetic data confirms the semi-aquatic lifestyle of the platypus, which closes its nasal cavity and eyes when in the water, relying instead on other senses - like electric stimuli - to detect prey.īut given the monotreme's unique reproductive strategy, the researchers focused specifically on its unique sex chromosomes. For example, the scientists found that the water-based platypus possesses far fewer "olfactory" or smelling genes compared to the terrestrial echidna. ![]() The scientists used genetic data to analyze everything from the platypus' eating habits to its swimming routine. What was discovered - For the first time, the new research provides a complete chromosome map of the platypus genome, along with a less-complete map of the echidna genome. Both share in common one habit unique to monotremes: egg-laying. Platypus are semi-aquatic creatures and echidna are land dwellers. Monotremes include only two animals that survive today: the platypus and the echidna. Marsupials and eutherians are often lumped together into a subclass known as therian mammals, but monotremes are so distinct from other mammals that they deserve their own separate category. The largest group by far are eutherians, which include animals that nurture their young in the mother's placenta (accordingly, the infraclass is sometimes referred to as " placentals"). Necessary background - The three main groups of mammals are: monotremes, eutherians, and marsupials. Echidna, along with platypus, compose a unique group of mammals known as monotremes. ![]() The platypus is an egg-laying mammal or monotreme, as they have a cloaca instead of a specific genital opening to give birth.An echidna walking in a coastal wilderness area in Victoria, Australia. The platypus is known for its smooth, suede-like textured bill, earning the moniker of the “duck-billed platypus.” The bill of the platypus is rubbery and flexible, with receptors that help the creature to negotiate the underwater world and detect the movements of potential prey such as shrimps. For the protection of the webbing, these animals walk with some degree of awkwardness, balancing on the knuckles. The webbing retracts when the platypus is on the land, as this ensures the claws are more useful. Their frontal feet are webbed, that is, they have extra skin between the toes that works as a paddle when they swim. The underside also has light colored fur. The fur is shaded dark brown, with lighter fur close to the eyes. Platypuses have a thick and dense fur coat that helps to insulate them from the cold water. However, scientists have found that in the olden days platypuses were two times as large as the modern variety, at 40 inches or 1 meter in length. The weight of an average platypus is around 3 pounds or 1.4 kilograms, but those residing in colder climes may weigh more, the Australian Conservatory for Platypus points out. A platypus is about 15 inches or 38 centimeters long from the rump to the head, with the addition of the 5 inch or 12.5 centimeter tail.
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