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The platypus only closes its eyes when it is swimming and hunting for food underwater, and this is because it does not need vision to find its food. The bill of a platypus has sensitive electroreceptors which pick up tiny nerve and electrical impulses generated by crustaceans and other animals that inhabit the bottom of the creek or river. The platypus then uses its bill to shovel away the dirt, and find the food.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThey have good (if not great) eyesight but do not open their eyes when they are under water.
Instead they use sensitive receptors on their beaks that detect small electrical pulses to hunt for their food (this is called electroception, sharks also have this).
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoPlatypuses have acute vision. However, they may be thought to be blind because they close their eyes when searching underwater for food.
They use a form of electric sensing, where they detect changes in the electric field generated by their bill. The presence of something within that field would cause fluctuations in it, and so the platypus can 'see' the prey by electricity. They close their eyes so as to be able to use the electric sense more efficiently, in the same way that closing our eyes often helps to hear better - it removes confusion.
The position of a platypus's eyes enable it to scan the banks of rivers and creeks to watch for potential predators. Because platypuses' eyes contain cone receptors, it is believed they can also see colour.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoThe latypus does not see in the mud. When swimming underwater, it closes its eyes. It does not need to see when it is hunting for food in the riverbed, as its bill is equipped with sensitive electroreceptors, something which no other mammal has. These electroreceptors allow the platypus to detect the tiny electrical impulses given out by aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans and even insect larvae. It can then shovel out the tiny creatures with its bill.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoBecause so the platypus eyes won't get wet and the platypus can use it's senses
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoYes. Platypuses are nocturnal, so they are active at night. Therefore, they have good night vision.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoPlatypuses are believed to have acute night vision.
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What color is the head of a platypus?
The colour of the fur on a platypus's head is dark brown.
What color is a platypus's bill?
The platypus has a dark, slate grey coloured bill.
Is a platypus blue?
No. The platypus is dark brown to slate grey over most of its body, with a cream coloured underbelly.
What color is a platypus's beak?
platypus eggs are the color well id say white
What unusual markings does the platypus have?
The platypus has no unique or unusual markings. A platypus has dark brown fur over most of its body, with a grey undercoat. Its belly is gold-coloured or silky grey. Its feet are dark brown to black, and its bill is a slate grey colour.
Is there a map of the platypus's home?
For a map of where the platypus can be found, see the related link.
What color is a platypus?
A platypus has dark brown fur over most of its body, with a grey undercoat. Its belly is gold-coloured or silky grey. Its feet are dark brown to black, and its bill is a slate grey colour.
What can you see and do in Australia?
Koalas, Platypus
What color is a platypus paw?
The fur is brownish, while the feet and bill are dark grey.
Why are platypus blue?
Platypuses are not blue. The colour of a platypus's fur is dark brown over most of its body, with a grey undercoat. Its belly is gold-coloured or silky grey.
How do you describe a platypus's head?
The platypus has a dark brown head with two small eyes. It is unusual because its mouth is a bill. Although many believe the platypus's bill to resemble a duck's bill, it is in fact quite different. The platypus's bill is broader and flatter than a duck's bill.
Where do you go to see an image of a platypus eating?
Go to google.com and click on Images, then type in the words platypus eating.
