Why is the platypus a symbol of Australia?

Answer 1

One of the theories proposed for the existence of platypuses only in Australia is because of the lack of predators in Australia. Platypuses, on the whole, are relatively defenceless creatures, despite the presence of a venomous spur on the make's hind ankle. They would be no match for larger predators such as those found on other continents.

Answer 2

Platypuses are found in a variety of temperatures and climates, from the cooler sub-alpine areas in the south, such as Victoria and the Tasmanian highlands, north through New South Wales to tropical far north Queensland. They can survive extremes of heat that occur in Victorian summers as well as the cold winters. Platypuses live in bushland as well as tropical, sub-tropical and temperate rainforests. They can live in this range of climate and temperature because the water in which they seek food tends to maintain a fairly steady temperature.

Answer 3

The platypus is a relatively defenceless animal, and there are far fewer potential natural predators of the platypus in Australia than there are in other continents. There are also fewer competitors for the platypus's food source.

Answer 4

Various theories have been proposed regarding why the platypus lives only in Australia. The most likely theory is that the lack of land predators allowed this relatively defenceless creature to thrive in its secluded environment.

Answer 5

The platypus does not need to adapt to the Australian environment. This is its natural habitat, and the one for which it is perfectly suited. It has a number of adaptations which enable it to live in its Australian semi-aquatic environment. It has:

• Webbed feet with a retracting webbed membrane which can expose the claws, enabling the platypus to effectively dig burrows. Its claws are used for digging burrows into riverbanks for shelter, and the webbing membrane retracts for that purpose, but spreads between its toes when it needs to swim - which it needs to do to get its food.
• The platypus can remain underwater for between one and three minutes. Its bill 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. It does not have teeth, but hard bony plates which it uses to grind the food.
• When predators threaten, the platypus can remain motionless underwater, holding its breath for up to eight minutes.
• The platypus lays eggs (as does the echidna), unlike other mammals. However, it secretes mothers' milk through glands, rather than teats, on which the young feed after hatching.
• The platypus is a semi-aquatic animal, with thick, waterproof fur.
• It has a flat tail which acts as a rudder
• 2 eye lids for protection
• Males have venomous spurs on their hind legs to harm or kill predators
• The liver gets rid of water but stores fat
• During mating season, the female platypus digs a separate chamber at the end of her burrow. The eggs are laid here, and once hatched, the mother "closes off" the chamber with a wall of leaves when she leaves, to protect the young from snakes such as pythons which are prevalent in the bushland. The wall of leaves is also designed in such a way that it helps remove excess water from the platypus when she returns, thus keeping the chamber as dry as possible.

Answer 6

The platypus is a symbol of Australia because, quite simply, it is not found anywhere else in the world. It is unique to Australia, completely endemic.

Answer 7

becaus its the ideal inviorment

Answer 8

Because Australia has the right habitat