Platypus: Family Ornithorhynchidae

The only living species in the Ornithorhynchidae is the semiaquatic, semifossorial platypus.  The platypus lives near freshwater lakes and rivers at both high and low elevations along the east coast of Australia and throughout Tasmania.  The size of the platypus decreases as one goes up the coast of Australia.  Adult males generally average 1700 grams. 

Platypus feet are pentadactyl, meaning they have five toes.  The manus or forefoot is webbed. This webbing is folded back when the platypus is on land.