Is a platypus related to a duck?
3 min read
Asked by: Anne Heyward
The duck-billed mammal is related to reptiles and birds, a study finds. The genome of the platypus—our most distant mammal relative—has been decoded and analyzed, researchers reported today. The duck-billed mammal has a genetic affinity with both reptiles and birds, according to a new study.
What is the closest relative to the platypus?
the echidna
The platypus and its closest relative, the echidna, belong to an order of mammals called the monotremes (Monotremata). They are the only representatives of this group left, surviving among the marsupials of Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea.
Is the platypus related to any other animal?
Accordingly, while the platypus shares some physical features with birds, beavers and reptiles, the only animal that can be considered a relative of the platypus is the echidna.
What did the platypus evolve from?
It is one of two species of monotreme that live in Australia, the other being the Short-beaked Echidna. The monotremes diverged from other mammals about 166 million years ago and today the platypus is one of the most evolutionarily distinct animals on Earth.
What two animals make a platypus?
The platypus is among nature’s most unlikely animals. In fact, the first scientists to examine a specimen believed they were the victims of a hoax. The animal is best described as a hodgepodge of more familiar species: the duck (bill and webbed feet), beaver (tail), and otter (body and fur).
How much DNA do we share with platypus?
82 percent
In their investigation of the platypus genetic blueprint, the scientists found that its genome contains about 18,500 genes, similar to other vertebrates and about two-thirds the size of the human genome. The platypus shares 82 percent of its genes with the human, mouse, dog, opossum and chicken.
What are the 3 mammals that lay eggs?
These three groups are monotremes, marsupials, and the largest group, placental mammals. Monotremes are mammals that lay eggs. The only monotremes that are alive today are the spiny anteater, or echidna, and the platypus. They live in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea.
Are platypus eggs edible?
Exclusive to Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania, the platypus and the echidna are the only two mammals known to lay eggs! These are two types of eggs which are definitely not suitable for eating. A platypus egg is pretty small. At not even a ½ inch in diameter, you’d need a whole bunch!
Do platypus have nipples?
But one branch of mammals doesn’t suckle: the egg-laying monotremes, which include today’s platypus and echidna, or spiny anteater. These animals lack nipples. Their babies instead lap or slurp milk from patches on their mother’s skin.
What do you call a baby platypus?
Baby platypuses (or would you rather call them platypi?) and echidnas are called puggles, although there’s a movement afoot to have baby platypuses called platypups. In a more straightforward naming convention, baby goats are called kids. In what may be a nod to onomatopoeia, baby partridges are called cheepers.
Can I own a platypus as a pet?
Keeping a platypus as a pet is almost entirely out of the question. It’s threatened in the wild and it’s probably not even legal. Its care and diet are not easy to replicate for the hobbyist.
What is the weirdest baby animal name?
11 Surprising Names Actually Used For Baby Animals
- Salmon. Baby Name: Smolt. …
- Alpaca. Baby Name: Cria. …
- Oyster. Baby Name: Spat. …
- Hawk. Baby Name: Eyas. …
- Swan. Baby Name: Cygnet. …
- Pig. Baby Name: Shoat. …
- Jellyfish. Baby Name: Ephyra. …
- Hare. Baby Name: Leveret. Not to be confused with baby rabbits, who are known as kittens.
