Ornithorhynchidae Skull Replica measures 4.1 in. Or Ornithorhynchidae Skeleton Replica measures 17.1 in. Both are museum quality polyurethane resin cast. Known as Platapus
The geographic range of Ornithorhynchus is restricted to the wetter regions of eastern Australia and Tasmania.
Ornithorhynchidae or Duck-billed Platypus inhabit rivers, lagoons, and streams. They prefer areas with steep banks that contain roots, overhanging vegetation, reeds, and logs.
The rivers and streams are usually less than 5 meters in depth. There have been records of them living in aquatic habitats at elevations above 1000 meters.
The Ornithorhynchidae or Platypus is common in waterways of eastern Australia, where it generally feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates but also takes an occasional frog, fish, or insect at the water’s surface.
This shy creature forages most actively from dusk to dawn, sheltering during the day in burrows dug into stream banks.
It is perfectly adapted for its aquatic lifestyle, having a flattened torpedo-like body, dense waterproof fur, and strong front limbs used for swimming as well as digging.
The Ornithorhynchidae or Platypus possesses a unique electromechanical system of electroreceptors and touch receptors on its bill that allow it to navigate perfectly underwater.
Even the head is streamlined, each ear being housed in a groove together with a small eye. The senses of sight, smell, and hearing are essentially shut down while the Platypus is submerged to feed.
Ornithorhynchidae or duck-billed Platypus affect their ecosystem by foraging on aquatic invertebrates.
They play an integral role in the food webs of the streams, rivers, and billabongs in which they are found.
Platypus are currently protected by the Australian government. Populations are considered healthy and they are not listed as a species of concern on global conservation lists.
