the way in which the platypus and other monotremes, e.g. echidna, has evolved in relation to two other mammal groups; the marsupials, e.g. kangaroos, and the placentals, which are animals that use a placenta to aid the rearing of their young.The second theory (Theory A) was first proposed by Gregory (1947), but did not become popular until the 1970s (Hamilton, 1988). His proposal was that at some point between 135 and 65 million years ago, the monotremes and the marsupials separated from the placentals
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a mysterious animal that still has scientist, specially taxonomist, at a conundrum about their evolutionary ancestors. The platypus' mixed characteristics of avian, reptilian, and mammalian features have fascinated people since the nineteenth century. When the platypus was first discovered by European scientist though that the animal was a hoax, and to this day the platypus is still an evolutionary puzzle waiting to be solved (Brian Hall.) The combination
Australia is home to many unique creatures. All whose distinct traits help them better adapt to their environments. Animals such as marsupials, placental, and monotremes all reside in the diverse land of Australia. Examples of these types of groups are koalas, platypuses, and rabbits. The most common type of native Australian wildlife is marsupial mammals. Marsupials give birth to undeveloped young, and then are raised in an external pouch until infancy. A general example of a marsupial is the koala
A ‘living fossil’ has been determined as ‘an organism that has remained essentially unchanged from earlier geological times and who’s close relatives are usually extinct’ (Merriam-Webster, 1859). This is suggesting that the Duck-billed Platypus, more commonly known as the Platypus, would still be in its primitive form and have similar characteristics to it ancestors. Anyone looking at the Platypus can identify its abnormalities as it is so distinctively unique in the animal kingdom. Its name on its
What are all of these groups and what do they do? First off we have monotremes, which are mammals that lay eggs. Not many monotremes are alive today but an example of one still alive is a platypus. Next, the marsupials, which are mammals that have pouches. An example of these are Wallabies, Kangaroos and Koalas. Lastly, the placental mammals all bear
electrical currents that are caused by their prey swimming through the water (Manning). The Platypus’ can hold their breath for up to two minutes which makes it easier to find and catch prey. The Platypus gives birth by laying eggs, making it a monotreme. This allows the mother to incubate the eggs in nesting burrows. The Wombat is the
venomous mammals. It has an unusual appearance, duck billed, beaver tailed, otter- like fur, and webbed feet. It has aggressive behavior and do not like being touched whatsoever. Platypi and Echidnas are the only two mammals in the world classed as monotremes which means they lay eggs. The traits of a platypus is extremely unique and interesting and has odd
muscle of their prey 1. Strong jaw – To eat the carcasses 2. Dark fur – Helps them to blend into their environment at night as they’re nocturnal 3. Excellent sense of smell – Helps them to locate prey and also to sense predators 4. Nocturnal Monotreme Platypus - Fresh water streams and rivers in the eastern states of Australia - Small invertebrate animals including crustaceans, worms and mollusks - Will also
Practice Writing: Describe how Australia is one of a kind Australia is located in the Southern and Eastern Hemisphere, part of the Oceania region and situated between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the 6th largest country with an area of approximately 7.7 square kilometres and a thriving population of 24 million. Because of its large land mass and distance from east to west, the continent straddles 3 time zones. Australia is also the largest country island distinguishable through its unique
Australia has experienced a massive environmental change since the first fleet in the 17th century. European settlement has had a significant influence on the flora and fauna within Australia. Early settlers believed that introduced species would ‘improve’ the ‘barren’ Australian landscape. Consequently, the introduction of these species has since proven to have an extreme effect on Australia’s native plants and animals, resulting in the extinction of certain species. Australia has since taken part
Ever since the knowledge about the existence of the gigantic living forms has been perceived by human kind, our ever-curious mind has arisen several baffling questions about them – THE DINOSAURS. One of the most debated issues about the dinosaurs is their thermoregulatory system. As much as it has aroused our tickling mind, it has also given way to different hues of thoughts leading to a bedlam of discussions. In the following discussion, I have tried to brush against some of them through counter-