Why are platypus classified as mammals?

The platypus is classed as a mammal because it has fur and feeds its young with milk. It flaps a beaver-like tail. But it also has bird and reptile features — a duck-like bill and webbed feet, and lives mostly underwater. Males have venom-filled spurs on their heels.

Why are penguins not mammals?

Penguins, or Sphenisciformes, are not mammals, but birds. They are different from mammals in that they have feathers instead of hair or fur, and unlike most mammals penguins lay eggs instead of giving live birth. Unlike mammals, penguins lay eggs rather than giving live birth.

Why is the platypus a mammal and not a reptile?

The Platypus is a unique Australian species. Along with echidnas, Platypuses are grouped in a separate order of mammals known as monotremes, which are distinguished from all other mammals because they lay eggs.

What traits do platypus have that other mammals do not?

The platypus has small, sharp spurs on its hind limbs that it uses to inject defensive poisons into predators, an unusual feature not found in other mammals.

How does platypus differ from other mammals?

Most mammals give birth to live young. Platypuses, however, lay eggs. They are a species of primitive mammals called monotremes. Echidnas, or spiny anteaters, are the only other mammals that lay eggs.

Is a platypus a mammal or not?

The platypus is a remarkable mammal found only in Australia. The platypus is a duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed, egg-laying aquatic creature native to Australia. If its appearance alone somehow fails to impress, the male of the species is also one of the world’s few venomous mammals!

What animal classification is a penguin?

Birds
Reptiles
Penguins/Class

Penguins (order Sphenisciformes /sfɪˈnɪsɪfɔːrmiːz/, family Spheniscidae /sfɪˈnɪsɪdiː/) are a group of aquatic flightless birds.

Is platypus a mammal or reptile?

Found in Australian fresh water and estuaries, platypuses are small furry mammals with a distinct bill and a wide beaverlike tail. The classification of the platypus as a mammal—the same group of animals that includes dolphins, elephants, and humans—has not always been self-evident.

Is the platypus the only mammal that lays eggs?

Only two kinds of egg-laying mammals are left on the planet today—the duck-billed platypus and the echidna, or spiny anteater. Echidnas, however, dwell solely on land.

Is a platypus a bird or a mammal?

The platypus is a remarkable mammal found only in Australia. Sometimes known as a duck-billed platypus, this curious mammal combines the characteristics of many different species in one. The platypus is a duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed, egg-laying aquatic creature native to Australia.

Are penguins predator or prey?

Penguins have predators both on land and in the water. In the water, penguins may become prey to leopard seals, fur seals, sea lions, sharks, or killer whales. On land, penguin chicks and eggs may be hunted by foxes and snakes, as well as introduced predators like feral dogs and cats.

Is a platypus a mammal or a bird?

A platypus in Australia. Many people tend to classify platypuses as either reptiles or birds. Interestingly, despite laying eggs, platypuses are mammals. They are classified as monotreme mammals. Monotreme mammals lay eggs, and later hatch them as their means of reproduction. Some people mistakenly classify them as reptiles because they lay egg

What subphyla does a platypus belong to?

There are also three subphyla of Chordata, the Platypus belongs in the Vertebrata. The Platypus produces milk for the young through mammary glands like all mammals. It also is warm blooded and has three specialized bones in the ear for hearing, also it has no visible ears.

Why is the platypus so unique?

The platypus is also one of the few mammals to produce venom. One of the reasons behind the platypus’s physiological uniqueness comes from its evolutionary history as a monotreme. Monotremes are a group of five extant mammals that lay eggs and have highly specialized mouth parts.

Do platypus give live birth?

The vast majority of mammals give live birth to their young; the platypus lays eggs. Female mammals feed milk to their young through specialized nipples or teats; female platypuses do not have teats and instead simply “sweat” milk to their young. The platypus is also one of the few mammals to produce venom.