Vertebrates Project
Vertebrate Project
Comparing and Contrasting Koalas and Platypuses
Koalas(marsupials) and Platypuses(monotremes) have interesting similarities as well as differences.
Physical variation for Koalas
Both Koalas and Platypuses can be found commonly in the country of Australia.
Both Koalas and Platypuses can be found commonly in the country of Australia. A typical Koala has a thick, dark fur and fluffy white ear tuffs. Koalas are generally silent and nocturnal creatures. However, males have a loud call which can be heard from a kilometer away in breeding season.
Ecology and Behavior
Koalas are herbivores and heavily depend on leaves as their main diet. Koalas can be aggressive with each other and can get stressed out easily. They sleep up to 16 to 18 hours per day due to their low metabolic rate. Koalas usually spend the rest of the 3-5 hours of the day eating Eucalypt leaves.
Life Cycle
Females reach adulthood at ages 2-3 and males 3-4. A healthy female can produce one koala per year for about 12 years. A baby koala is called a "joey" and is born hairless, blind and earless. The joey would remain in the pouch until it grows, ears, eyes and fur.
Physical Variation for Platypuses
Platypuses have a broad, flat tail which is covered in thick brown fur. This is to trap a layer of warm air to keep it warm. The tail is also used for storage of fat reserves. A platypus somewhat resembles a duck due to its webbed feet and large snout. Both females and males have ankle spurs, however, the male spurs has the ability to produce venom. The venom contains proteins which are produced by the immune system of the platypus. The venom is strong enough to kill small animals but not humans.
Ecology and Behavior
Platypuses are known to survive 17 years of age. Some natural predators of the platypus may include snakes, hawks and eagles. Platypuses forage in the water for food and can withstand extremely cold temperatures for long period of time
Comparing and Contrasting Koalas and Platypuses
Koalas(marsupials) and Platypuses(monotremes) have interesting similarities as well as differences.
Physical variation for Koalas
Both Koalas and Platypuses can be found commonly in the country of Australia.
Both Koalas and Platypuses can be found commonly in the country of Australia. A typical Koala has a thick, dark fur and fluffy white ear tuffs. Koalas are generally silent and nocturnal creatures. However, males have a loud call which can be heard from a kilometer away in breeding season.
Ecology and Behavior
Koalas are herbivores and heavily depend on leaves as their main diet. Koalas can be aggressive with each other and can get stressed out easily. They sleep up to 16 to 18 hours per day due to their low metabolic rate. Koalas usually spend the rest of the 3-5 hours of the day eating Eucalypt leaves.
Life Cycle
Females reach adulthood at ages 2-3 and males 3-4. A healthy female can produce one koala per year for about 12 years. A baby koala is called a "joey" and is born hairless, blind and earless. The joey would remain in the pouch until it grows, ears, eyes and fur.
Physical Variation for Platypuses
Platypuses have a broad, flat tail which is covered in thick brown fur. This is to trap a layer of warm air to keep it warm. The tail is also used for storage of fat reserves. A platypus somewhat resembles a duck due to its webbed feet and large snout. Both females and males have ankle spurs, however, the male spurs has the ability to produce venom. The venom contains proteins which are produced by the immune system of the platypus. The venom is strong enough to kill small animals but not humans.
Ecology and Behavior
Platypuses are known to survive 17 years of age. Some natural predators of the platypus may include snakes, hawks and eagles. Platypuses forage in the water for food and can withstand extremely cold temperatures for long period of time