Chapter 1: The Discovery of the Platypus

Have you ever encountered something so peculiar that you questioned its existence? More than 200 years ago, biologist George Shaw was sent an odd specimen from New South Wales that left him utterly baffled. He even attempted to trim some fur from its beak, anticipating he would uncover signs of deception. Yet, to his surprise, he found no evidence of trickery. In a scientific journal, he expressed his astonishment:

"Of all the Mammalia yet known, it seems the most extraordinary in its conformation; exhibiting the perfect resemblance of the beak of a Duck engrafted on the head of a quadruped."

Shaw's skepticism was warranted; hoaxes were prevalent during that era. The duck-billed platypus was such an unusual creature that it could easily be mistaken for an elaborate fabrication. In the 18th and 19th centuries, numerous anatomists and biologists were deceived by fraudulent specimens. For instance, Johann Beringer was fooled by fake fossils purportedly placed by colleagues, while the infamous P.T. Barnum showcased the Feejee Mermaid—an amalgamation of monkey and fish parts.

Despite Shaw's doubts, additional specimens began to surface over the following decades. The complexity of fabricating such a creature made it improbable that it was a mere hoax. The platypus's unique physiology was unlike anything seen before. Was it a product of two distinct species interbreeding? If not, how did it come to exist?

Photo: New York Public Library! In the Public Domain

In the late 19th century, the platypus was hunted for its organs, which were preserved and sent to European anatomists. British anatomist Everard Home from the Royal College of Surgeons in London noted its reptilian-like reproductive organs and a unique duck-bill organ that could detect electric fields. When hunting at night, the platypus would close its eyes while diving for food. This led to heated debates among anatomists about whether it was a mammal, a bird, or something entirely new. Even Charles Darwin expressed interest in this remarkable animal.

The absence of visible teats or nipples led to questions about whether the platypus nursed its young with milk, a crucial factor in classifying it as a mammal. For several decades after its discovery, scientists remained uncertain if the platypus gave birth to live young like most mammals. Rumors circulated about the platypus laying eggs, but confirmation was elusive. As the population dwindled due to overhunting, studying the species became increasingly difficult:

"Many of the Australian quadrupeds and birds are not only peculiar to that country, but are, even there, of comparatively rare occurrence: and such has been the war of extermination recklessly waged against, that they are in a fair way of becoming extinct." (Bennett 1860, p. vi)

In a remarkable revelation, George Bennett discovered in 1833 that platypuses do produce milk for their offspring! The milk is secreted through pores in their skin and collected in bowl-like structures on their abdomen. Furthermore, instead of giving live birth like other mammals, the platypus lays eggs. These eggs possess a yolk similar to that of birds, but the yolk is not divided into separate cells. This makes the platypus one of the few mammals classified under the order Monotremata, known for their egg-laying reproductive method.

As research continued, the platypus revealed even more astonishing secrets. Advances in technology enabled scientists to sequence its genome in the 2000s. The platypus shares a lineage with ancient amniotes, which diverged into reptiles and birds on one path and mammal-like reptiles on another. This evolutionary journey led to the gradual loss of reptilian characteristics as they evolved into distinct classes of mammals.

Researchers identified genes associated with odor detection alongside reptilian genes responsible for egg-laying. Interestingly, the platypus possesses five pairs of sex chromosomes, with males having 5 X and 5 Y chromosomes. These chromosomes show greater resemblance to those of birds, which also have multiple pairs. Moreover, the 80 different toxins found in the platypus's spurs evolved from various lineages. Additionally, the ability to sense electric currents with their beak is a remarkable adaptation.

Recent discoveries have unveiled that platypus fur is biofluorescent. Lead researcher Dr. Paula Anich expressed her astonishment, stating, “I was a little flabbergasted to [see] the platypus is biofluorescent.” Following the discovery of biofluorescence in flying squirrels, she wondered what other animals might exhibit this trait. Platypus fur absorbs ultraviolet light and emits a stunning blue-green glow. The reasons behind this unique ability remain unclear.

As we continue to uncover the enigmatic characteristics of the duck-billed platypus, we find that:

• They detect electric currents using their bill.
• Males possess venomous spurs with 80 different toxins.
• They lay eggs containing partially developed embryos.
• Their bodies feature "built-in bowls" that allow their young to drink milk directly from their abdomen.
• They have five pairs of sex chromosomes.
• They exhibit biofluorescence.

It is crucial that we protect these extraordinary creatures and their habitats to ensure their survival and continue our exploration of their fascinating biology. What other mysteries does the remarkable platypus hold?

Chapter 2: The Glow of the Platypus

Recently, researchers found that platypus fur exhibits biofluorescence, which adds yet another layer of intrigue to this already astonishing animal.

The first video, "So Apparently Platypuses Glow in the Dark," delves into the discovery of this unusual trait and what it might mean for our understanding of these creatures.

The second video, "Platypus are Really, Really Weird (and It's Not Just Because They Lay Eggs)," explores the many bizarre attributes of the platypus and its evolutionary significance.