ornithorynèque

The ornithorynque, also known as the platypus, is a semi-aquatic mammal indigenous to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. It is one of only five extant species of monotremes, a group of mammals that lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. The platypus is characterized by its duck-like bill, beaver-like tail, and webbed feet. Its bill is a highly sensitive sensory organ, used to detect prey in murky water.

These unique creatures are primarily nocturnal and inhabit freshwater environments such as rivers, streams, and lakes. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates like insect larvae, freshwater shrimp, and worms, which they forage for at the bottom of waterways. The platypus possesses venomous spurs on the hind legs of males, which are used in defense and during mating season.

The platypus was first described by Europeans in the late 18th century, and its unusual combination of features initially led scientists to believe it was a hoax. It plays a significant role in the ecosystems it inhabits and is considered an important species for scientific study due to its unique evolutionary position. Conservation efforts are in place to protect platypus populations, which face threats from habitat loss and pollution.