The discovery of tooth fossil of platypus molar which is 15 million years old in the Riversleigh in northwestern Queensland, Australia, suggests that ancient platypus has a gigantic body. Results of the fossil analysis suggests that the platypus was measuring 1 meter, or has a double the size of the existing platypus today, and making it the largest monotremata animals.
 |
| An artist’s impression released by Peter Schouten of a newly discovered species of an extinct platypus, Obdurodon tharalkooschild, discovered in Queensland and a photo (inset) released by Rebecca Pian showing the tooth of the platypus. (Picture from: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/) |
A paleontologists team from the University of New South Wales who found the fossils have been identify it as a new species of platypus. They gave it the name Obdurodon tharalkooschild. From the measuring of molar, the scientists estimate that the platypus could grow up to 1 meter. This size is larger than Obdurodon dicksoni, as one of the ancestral platypus.
Rebecca Pian, a PhD candidate at Columbia University who was involved in the study said that the modern adult platypuses do not have teeth to be compared with molar platypus fossil. Comparisons were made with the other ancient platypus, such as O.dicksoni that known have teeth. "The platypus teeth is quite different from all other mammalian teeth, so it is quite easy to identify in the fossil record," Pian said as quoted by LiveScience, on November 5, 2013.
Dr Suzanne Hand from the University of New South Wales, which is also involved in the study, stated that O.tharalkooschild is the big platypus with well-developed teeth. "From the teeth, we suspect it's not just eating crayfish and freshwater crustaceans, but also small vertebrates, such as frogs and small turtles whose the fossil was found near the platypus fossil," she said.
Not just the teeth, the platypus also has different characteristics with other animals from the mammals family. Platypus has a body similar to a beaver with thick hair, and it has wide beak and webbed feet like a duck.
The strange animals also reproduce by laying eggs, instead of giving birth like many other mammals. In addition, its muzzle coated with electro receptors that can detect the underwater prey. And the male platypus also has a kind of poisonous spurs on its hind legs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LIVESCIENCE | SCIENCEDAILY | MAHARDIKA SATRIA HADI | KORAN TEMPO 4395]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
