Science > Life Science > Zoology > Chordata >Mammalia > Monotremata > Ornithorhynchidae (platypus)

Zoology- Ornithorhynchidae (platypus)

Ornithorhynchidae
There is only one species in this family, the duck-billed platypus. The duck-billed platypus is found in eastern Australia. It is 19-22 inches in length and has thick, waterproofed brown fur. It has a flat, round and flexible black snout that looks like a duck's bill. It has a flat, rounded beaver-like tail and webbed feet. The male duck-billed platypus has a venomous spur on his ankle that he uses when he is threatened by predators or other male duck-billed platypuses. The make attacks with the spur and injects venom into his attacker. The venom is strong enough to kill small predators and cause pain to larger ones.

Key: Article Photos Video Audio
Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in the Wild Extinct Status taken from ICUN Redlist

Ornithorhynchidae Genus	Ornithorhynchidae Resources
Ornithorhynchus (duck-billed platypus)	Lesson Plans Games/Interactives Video

Websites

Duck-billed Platypus
The platypuses beak is soft and rubbery and has no teeth!
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Duck-billed Platypus
The platypus spends half its day resting in its burrow. Read more and listen to a rare platypus growl!
Source: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Duck-billed Platypus
The platypus is well-adapted to life in the water. Learn more here!
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Duck-billed Platypus
The platypus uses electricity to locate its prey! Learn more!
Source: NHPTV Wildlife Journal Junior
Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: No

Duck-billed Platypus
When the platypus swims its eyes, ears and nostrils are closed!
Source: Australian Wildlife Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Duck-billed Platypus
Today's platypus is smaller than the ones found in the fossil record! Learn more here.
Source: Australian Museum Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Duck-billed Platypus
Printout a diagram of a platypus for kids and learn more about this unique monotreme.
Source: Enchanted Learning Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Elementary School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

What's for Lunch
Can you figure out what a platypus would eat?
Source: Australian Wildlife Health Centre

River Life
Join Zoe the Platypus and see if you can identify life in an Australian river.
Source: Sydney Aquarium

Online Video

Probing Platypus Evolution
National Geographic researchers are trying to collect DNA samples from these odd duck-billed mammals to determine whether there are separate subspecies.
Source: National Geographic

Arkive Video and Images
Duck-billed Platypus

What is a Mammal - Grade 3-5
Students explore the characteristics of mammals. Source: Discovery Education

Paperbag Platypus - Grades K-3
Simple instructions for creating a paper bag platypus. Source: Sparkplugging