Scientists baffled by platypus' quirky features
Scientists baffled by platypus' quirky features The platypus is one of the strangest creatures on Earth. This monotreme mammal has a duck-like bill, webbed feet and lays eggs. But what's even more perplexing is its ability to produce venom. The venom is produced in the male platypus' hind leg spurs and is thought to be mainly used for defense against predators or rivals. It's also been speculated that the venom could be used to kill prey, but there's no evidence to support this theory. So far, only two venoms have been isolated from the platypus: a low-molecular weight neurotoxin and a high-molecular weight myotoxin. The neurotoxin affects the nervous system, causing paralysis and respiratory failure. The myotoxin affects muscle tissue, causing pain, inflammation and swelling. Interestingly, the venom of different platypus populations varies in toxicity. The venom from Australian platypuses is more toxic than that from platypuses in Tasmania. And while all m