![]() ![]() It’s not the only biofluorescent mammal, Virginia opossums and North American flying squirrels also glow under UV light, along with a few other Australian marsupials. But the platypus’ glow comes from its fur, not from within. You might remember the term biofluorescence from our very first episode, about the glowing bones of chameleons. Under UV light, the platypus glows a neon blue-green. And we’re going to tackle some of them, going from the outside in. But that furry body is also hiding a secret, or, really, a bunch of secrets. The duck-bill of the platypus is one of its most obviously odd features, just by the virtue of being attached to a body that otherwise looks kind of like a chubby otter or a beaver, complete with a paddle tail. This is called electroreception and only something like two other kinds of mammals have this ability. One set senses changes in the motion and pressure of the water around them, while the other two pick up on the subtle electrical signals given off when their prey moves a muscle. And they locate their prey using three types of receptor cells on those bills. As adults, they have special grinding plates within their duck-like bills that they use to mash their food up. They mostly eat aquatic invertebrates, but will also consume small fish and fish eggs, if they’re around. But do you know the most bizarre thing about their anatomy? Riddle me this: what major organ is the platypus missing? The platypus lives in rivers, streams, and ponds in the wetter parts of eastern Australia and Tasmania. And maybe you know that they can sense electricity with their bills and don’t have nipples. Maybe you know that the males have venomous spurs on their ankles. You might think you know why the platypus is a bizarre beast. You can cancel any time by emailing us on socials: This month's pin is designed by Sarah Suta, producer and co-host of Bizarre Beasts! But do you know the most bizarre thing about its anatomy: what major organ is the platypus missing? Maybe you know that it lays eggs, that the males have venomous spurs on their ankles, and that it can sense electricity with its bill. ![]()
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