Page "Platypus" Paragraph 7

The body and the broad, flat tail of the platypus are covered with dense, brown fur that traps a layer of insulating air to keep the animal warm.

The fur is waterproof, and the texture is akin to that of a mole.

The platypus uses its tail for storage of fat reserves ( an adaptation also found in animals such as the Tasmanian devil and fat-tailed sheep ).

It has webbed feet and a large, rubbery snout ; these are features that appear closer to those of a duck than to those of any known mammal.

The webbing is more significant on the front feet and is folded back when walking on land.

Unlike a bird's beak ( in which the upper and lower parts separate to reveal the mouth ), the snout of the platypus is a sensory organ with the mouth on the underside.

The nostrils are located on the dorsal surface of the snout, while the eyes and ears are located in a groove set just back from it ; this groove is closed when swimming.

Platypuses have been heard to emit a low growl when disturbed and a range of other vocalisations have been reported in captive specimens.