Rhythmic Patterns
Reproductive Rhythmic Pattern
The Duck-billed Platypus is active for approximately 7 hours during the night and rest for 17 hours during the day. This means that platypuses are nocturnal living organisms that go scavenging for their prey during the night. One rhythmic pattern that platypuses display is reproducing during late winter/spring which is around early August to early November. The reason why platypuses reproduce most during this period of time is because of the optimum temperature. During the late winter or spring period, temperatures fluctuate between 18°C to 24°C which is the optimum temperature platypuses live in; increasing the chance of producing healthier offspring. If it is too hot, material required for nest may dry out, leaving nothing to keep the eggs moist, therefore causing the inability for young to hatch. After being hatched, baby platypuses develop in their nesting burrows for about three to four months, feeding on milk secreted from a female platypus’ belly as they do not have nipples. After three to four months, baby platypuses enter the water for the first time.
Picture 1: Three Duck Billed Platypus Eggs
Source: http://livebooklet.com/userFiles/a/2/1/0/9/4/4/TwwkO0UMVRqiRE2VlAiOSD/wKOMAg48.jpg
Picture 2: Baby Platypuses suckling on the mother's belly
Source: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/monotreme/platybabies.jpg
Picture 3: Two baby Platypuses
Source: http://i.imgur.com/SPpuf.jpg
Source: http://livebooklet.com/userFiles/a/2/1/0/9/4/4/TwwkO0UMVRqiRE2VlAiOSD/wKOMAg48.jpg
Picture 2: Baby Platypuses suckling on the mother's belly
Source: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/monotreme/platybabies.jpg
Picture 3: Two baby Platypuses
Source: http://i.imgur.com/SPpuf.jpg
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