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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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Scientists Just Found Out the Platypus Is Even Weirder Than We Thought
The platypus has long been nature’s practical joke. It’s a silly, unserious creature that looks like the product of having hit the randomizer button on a video game Create-a-Character mode one too many times. Now, scientists, who published their findings in Biology Letters, found that a platypus’ weirdness isn’t just surface-level; it can be found deep down at the microscopic level. Researchers led by Jessica Leigh Dobson examined the tiny struc…
·New York, United States
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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.
·Estonia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources43
Leaning Left6Leaning Right7Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Center
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
54% Center
L 21%
C 54%
R 25%
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