platypus

Introduction
Natural history
Form and function
Life cycle and reproduction
Evolution, paleontology, and classification

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

Platypus swimming underwater in Tasmania, Australia, with a worm in its bill.

A platypus swims at the surface of the water, showing its flat bill, webbed feet, and streamlined body.

What Researchers Can Learn from Platypus Venom

At a Glance

platypus summary

Quizzes

Sea otter (Enhydra lutris), also called great sea otter, rare, completely marine otter of the northern Pacific, usually found in kelp beds. Floats on back. Looks like sea otter laughing. saltwater otters

Animal Group Names

Deadliest Animals Quiz

Young chimpanzee dressed in a shirt and sweater vest, scratching his head thinking. (primates)

Wild Words from the Animal Kingdom Vocabulary Quiz

The cheetah is the fastest land animal over short distances. It has become an endangered species in Africa, and is almost extinct in Asia. Cheetah mother with young. Cheetah cubs

Moms of the Animal Kingdom Quiz

Match the Baby Animal to Its Mama Quiz

Related Questions

How are platypuses and echidnas alike?
How can platypuses maintain body temperature in very cold water?
How do a platypus’s back feet help it swim?
How do baby platypuses drink milk without nipples or teats?
How do electroreceptors help a platypus hunt prey?
How do platypuses court and mate in the water?
How do platypuses differ from echidnas in habitat and diet?
How do platypuses use their front feet while swimming?
How does a male platypus use its ankle spurs?
How does a platypus use its bill to find food underwater?
How does a platypus use its tail in the water?
How does dense fur keep a platypus warm and dry?
How does the entrance to a platypus burrow remove water from its fur?
How large can an adult platypus grow?
How long can platypuses live in the wild?
How long do young platypuses remain in the nursery burrow?
How many eggs does a female platypus usually lay?
What does the name Monotremata mean?
What evidence shows that ancient platypuses once lived in South America?
What kinds of animals do platypuses eat?
When are platypuses most active?
When does the platypus breeding season occur?
Where are the venom glands of a male platypus located?
Where do platypuses live in Australia and Tasmania?
Where does a female platypus lay her eggs?
Which animals belong to the order Monotremata?
Which senses are reduced when a platypus is submerged?
Who published the first scientific description of the platypus?
Why are freshwater crustaceans a favourite food of platypuses?
Why are monotremes considered the most ancient living order of mammals?
Why do adult platypuses have hardened gum pads instead of true teeth?
Why do male platypuses fight during the breeding season?
Why does a platypus have webbing that extends past its claws?
Why is the platypus classified as a mammal even though it lays eggs?
Why must platypuses feed in fresh water?
What are some of the coyote’s hunting habits?
What is the coyote’s conservation status?
What are some threats to coyote survival?
What do koalas eat?
How many types of deer are there?
What are the physical characteristics of a red panda?
Where can red pandas be found in the wild?
What are the main threats to red pandas?
How do red pandas reproduce?
Is a dolphin a fish or a mammal?

Science Mammals Platypus & Echidna Order

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External Websites

A-Z Animals - Platypus
Animal Corner - Duck-billed Platypus
San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants - Platypus
Museums Victoria - The platypus: a unique and vulnerable Australian
Australian Museum - Platypus
Australian Wildlife Society - The platypus: evolutionary history, biology, and an uncertain future (PDF)
Queensland Government - Environment, Land and Water - Platypus
National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - The platypus: evolutionary history, biology, and an uncertain future
NSW Environment and Heritage - Platypus
LiveScience - Platypus Facts
Animal Diversity Web - Duck-billed platypus
ABC listen - Nocturnal Worlds - Platypus
San Diego Wildlife Alliance Library - Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) Fact Sheet: Summary

Britannica Websites

Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

platypus - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
platypus - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

platypus

monotreme

Also known as: Ornithorhynchus anatinus, duck-billed platypus, duckbill, duckbilled platypus(Show More)

Written by

Anne Marie Musser

Australian Museum, Sydney, Australia. Author of scientific publications on monotremes.

Anne Marie Musser

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026 •History

platypus, (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), a small amphibious Australian mammal noted for its odd combination of primitive features and special adaptations, especially the flat, almost comical bill that early observers thought was that of a duck sewn onto the body of a mammal. Adding to its distinctive appearance are conspicuous white patches of fur under the eyes. The fur on the rest of the body is dark to light brown above, with lighter fur on the underside....

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