The Australian Platypus 
(Orinthorhynchus anatinus)
Platypus Facts

The Platypus Attacks!

The Platypus Strikes Again!

C-Type Natriuretic Peptides

Defensin-like Peptides

References

             
Photo courtesy of http://www.healthsci.utas.edu.au/physiol/mono/Platpage.html
     The Australian platypus (Orinthorhynchus anatinus) is a curious animal that inhabits the freshwater lakes, creeks, and streams of eastern Australia (Fig. 1) from the waters of the Cooktown area in the north to the icy-cold southern streams in the Tasmanian mountains (Tonkin and Negrine, 1994). Weighing between 1.8 to 2.5 kg and ranging in size from 45 to 60 cm in length, platypuses live in burrows that neighbor sources of freshwater. Venturing from their self-made burrows around dawn and dusk, platypuses opportunistically forage the water and surrounding area for worms, insects, frog larvae, and especially small crustaceans (Fenner et al., 1992; Tonkin and Negrine, 1994).
                                                                                      Figure 1: Habitat (in green) of Platypus
                                                                                                   
                                                                         Photo courtesy of http://www.healthsci.utas.edu.au/physiol/mono/Platpage.html
     A peculiar amalgamation of a paddle-like tail, webbed feet, and dense fur, the platypus, first captured in 1797 on the Hawkesbury River, New South Wales, was first thought by British scientists to be a whimsical duck-beaver hybrid concocted by a creative Australian taxidermist (Fenner et al., 1992) Once proven not to be a hoax, scientists realized that the platypus was a highly evolved animal possessing a host of marvelous adaptive advantages for its semi-aquatic mode of life. Although appearing to be a cute, harmless ball of fur, the platypus can be very dangerous. Among its wide array of distinct morphological characteristics, the adult male platypus manufactures venom that packs a potent punch. When injected into other animals via a spur, platypus venom produces excruciating, lasting pain powerful enough to debilitate humans and kill dogs. 
     This web page provides an overview of the morhology of the platypus and a detailed discussion of the effects of platypus venom on humans at both the clinical and cellular level.
This website was created for "From Venoms and Toxins to Drugs" a course taught by the Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28036. Send comments, questions, and suggestions to: laestes@davidson.edu