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Platypus Found to Have Bird-Like Pigment Structures, a First in Mammals
Researchers at Ghent University identified hollow, spherical melanosomes in platypus fur, a unique trait among mammals that may relate to their aquatic lifestyle, study finds.
- On Wednesday, researchers at Ghent University published findings in Biology Letters revealing that platypuses possess hollow melanosomes, structures previously thought unique to birds. The team examined hair samples from 12 platypuses using electron microscopy.
- Previously, scientists believed hollow melanosomes occurred exclusively in birds, where they create iridescent colors. Although spherical melanosomes typically yield reddish-orange hues, the platypus's hollow structures do not create iridescence, leaving the animal dark brown.
- Dobson and colleagues examined 126 species of mammals to confirm the findings. Hollow melanosomes were absent in echidnas, the platypus's closest relatives, and in all other mammals studied, making this discovery unique.
- Researchers speculate the hollow structures might provide insulation, an adaptation linked to the platypus's aquatic environs. Evolutionary ecologist Tim Caro of the University of Bristol said, "My gut feeling is it's nothing to do with color."
- Further work is needed to understand why platypuses evolved these unique melanosomes. Dobson stated, "To the best of our knowledge, this is the only example of hollow melanosomes in mammals.
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The platypus is one of the strangest animals to roam the earth. It has the beak and legs of a duck, the body of an otter, and the tail of a beaver. It is also venomous, can sense electric fields, and lays eggs, even though it is a mammal.
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Total News Sources42
Leaning Left5Leaning Right7Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 18%
C 56%
R 26%
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