Platypus

Platypus is one of the most unusual mammal species alive. It belongs together with echidnas to the most primitive mammalian group called Monotremes (Monotremata). All Monotremes have the same organization of digestive and reproductory tract openings as birds have. They have only one common opening for these two systems, all other mammals have them separated. Platypus lives in Australia and can be found in streams and rivers. There it hunts small water animals with help of very sensitive sensors located on its beak. It is not a beak as birds have, but a mammalian jaws that just resemble it. Males of platypus are one of very few venomous mammals since they have a venomous spur on the back of their hindfeets. Venom is not a life threatenig for humans. Extremely interesting is platypus's reproduction. Unlike other mammals, platypus does not give birth to live youngs but it lays eggs instead. Eggs resemble birds eggs but their shell is soft. Female digs a deep hole in a river bank where she lays eggs. Babies suckle milk like other mammals do but mother doesn´t have teats, the milk oozes through fur where it is licked by young.