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Duck-billed platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus
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Duck-billed platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Duck-billed platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus.. Handcolored copperplate engraving from George Shaw and Frederick Nodders The Naturalists Miscellany, London, 1799
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Media ID 14218075
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Duck Fredericknodder Georgeshaw Naturalhistory Thenaturalistsmiscellany
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This exquisitely hand-colored copperplate engraving showcases the unique and intriguing figure of the Duck-billed Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). The Platypus, native to eastern Australia and Tasmania, is one of the most fascinating creatures in the world of zoology. Its distinctive bill, which resembles that of a duck, is actually an adaptation that allows it to detect electrical signals from its prey underwater, making it one of only five known species of electrically sensitive animals. The Platypus is further distinguished by its dual role as a mammal and an aquatic creature. It lays eggs, like a reptile, but it also produces milk to nourish its young, like other mammals. This combination of characteristics, known as being monotreme, sets the Platypus apart from all other mammals. This beautiful engraving, taken from George Shaw and Frederick Nodder's The Naturalist's Miscellany, published in London in 1799, provides a detailed and accurate representation of the Platypus's appearance. The intricate lines and delicate shading of the engraving bring out the rich colors and textures of the Platypus's fur, while the meticulous attention to detail allows for a clear view of its unique features. The Naturalist's Miscellany was a popular and influential work in the field of natural history, and this engraving of the Duck-billed Platypus would have been a prized possession for any naturalist or collector of the time. Today, it serves as a reminder of the wonder and fascination that the natural world continues to inspire in us, and a testament to the enduring allure of the Platypus as one of nature's most remarkable creations.
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