The platypus, a unique mammal, possesses a venom system in adult males delivered via hind leg spurs. This venom, primarily ...

Only male platypuses have venomous spurs. The amount of venom a male platypus produces also increases during breeding season, so scientists believe it is used as a weapon against rival males.

Native to the rivers and freshwater creeks of eastern Australia, its venom is the lesser-known feature that sets the platypus ...

The platypus produces a powerful venom during breeding season, which is used in competition among males for females. "We've discovered conflicting functions of GLP-1 in the platypus: in the gut as a ...

It’s a semi-aquatic exotic with some remarkable traits! This week, we’re exploring the strange but true story of the platypus. * Platypuses use “electrolocation” while feeding, sending out impulses ...

These are the same gene families in which duplications make toxins in many venomous reptiles. "That's a form on convergent evolution," Warren said. "The platypus has clearly retained ancestral ...

Male platypuses have sharp spurs on their back legs shaped like a canine tooth. These hollow spurs measure 0.59 to 0.71 inches long and connect to crural glands in the animal’s upper thighs. These ...