Platypus

by Tom Grant, Dominic Fanning (Illustrator)

Overview

Since it first became known to European scientists and naturalists in 1798, the platypus has been the subject of controversy, interest and absolute wonder. Found only in Australia, the platypus is a mammal that lays eggs but, like other mammals, it has fur and suckles its young on milk. Many early biologists who visited the British colonies in Australia, including Charles Darwin, went out of their way to observe this remarkable animal. In Australia today the species is considered to be an icon, but one that many Australians have never seen in the wild.

This book presents established factual information about the platypus and examines the most recent research findings, along with some of the colourful history of the investigation of its biology. This completely updated edition covers its anatomy, distribution and abundance, breeding, production of venom, unique senses, ecology, ancestry and conservation. It includes a 'Frequently Asked Questions' section for the general reader and, for those wishing to find out more detailed information, a comprehensive reference list.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780643102750
Publisher:	CSIRO PUBLISHING
Publication date:	10/02/2007
Series:	Australian Natural History Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	168
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Tom Grant has been researching various aspects of the biology of the platypus for over three decades, including environmental assessment studies involving the species. He is an environmental consultant and Visiting Fellow in Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of New South Wales.

Dominic Fanning has been involved in a number biological research projects, including work on the platypus, and is currently an environmental consultant. As well as illustrating the three previous editions of this book, he has illustrated several other publications.

Table of Contents

Preface
1 Introduction
2 Breeding biology
3 Spurs and venom glands
4 The sensory world of the platypus
5 Energetics, diving and foraging
6 Ecology
7 Ancestry and evolution
8 Conservation: platypuses and people
9 Questions, answers and misconceptions
Glossary
Bibliography
Index