Platypus
Platypuses, also called ‘duck-billed platypuses‘, look somewhat similar to beavers, but are not related to them. They live exclusively along the east coast of Australia, on Tasmania and on Kangaroo Island, where they were introduced in the 1920s. Platypuses are excellent swimmers. Their diet mainly includes crabs, insects and worms, which they hunt underwater. As platypuses close their eyes when diving, they use electro- and mechanoreceptors to find their prey.
Order of monotremes
It is the only living species within the family Ornithorhynchus, which together with the echidnas forms the order of monotremes. What is unusual about monotremes is the their reproductive system. Although they are mammals, females lay eggs. Their name is Greek and means „single opening“. It comes from the fact that they only have one excretory organ, also known as the cloaca. Similarities between monotremes and other mammals include their hair, the three bones in their middle ear and that they feed their young with milk.
Venom and chromosomes
A rarity among mammals, male platypuses have venomous spurs on their hind feet. The venom is presumably used in fights against rivals during the mating season and is not fatal to humans, but can cause months of pain. Another unique feature of platypuses is the number of sex chromosomes they have. Unlike most mammals, they have ten chromosomes instead of two.
Facts
- Binominal name: Ornithorhynchus anatinus
- Other names: Duck-billed platypus
- Order: Monotremata
- First described: 1799 (George Shaw)
- Distribution: East coast of Australia, Tasmania, Kangaroo Island
Platypus Folding Card
This special souvenir note from the Australia Series is dedicated to the platypus. Printed on genuine security paper, it features a lizard as a gold foil patch, motifs in UV color and haptic elements. While the vertically designed obverse depicts a platypus, the reverse shows the famous sandstone formation Uluru or Ayers Rock in Central Australia and Aboriginal art. Uluru is 348 m (1,142 ft) high and is revered as a sacred place by the Aboriginal people of the area. Under UV light, a road sign with a platypus becomes visible. The Australia Series, which comprises a total of eight souvenir notes, is also available in a booklet with lots of information and pictures.
Obverse: Platypus, stylized lizard, map of Australia
Reverse: Uluru or Ayers Rock, sandstone formation in Central Australia, Aboriginal art, stylized sea turtle
| Dimensions: 145 x 70 mm (5.71 x 2.76 in) Material: Paper |
