Skeletal and Muscular System
Skeletal System: The Platypus has a unique skeletal structure in that it has attributes of both mammals and reptiles. The main function of the animal's skeleton is protection, support, and movement.
A. Movement- The platypus skeleton structure is very unique. Its elongated structure is good for swimming, diving, walking on land, and for burrowing nests that can be around 20 feet deep, and sometimes even more. Like many mammals, they have seven cervical vertebrae but their ribs and inter clavicle resemble a reptile. This is why they are able to swim in water so well.
B. Support- Like most animals, the skeleton is especially important when it comes to support. For example, their forearms have huge muscles and huge bones. This makes swimming much easier for the platypus. The skeleton is firm, and helps to keep the entire makeup of the body stay together on the platypus.
C.Protection- The ribs on this animal provide support for the heart, and the lungs, which increases their life span because their internal organs are protected from predators. They also have a skull that protect the animal's brain, preventing trauma and also providing protection from predators.
Muscular System: The animal has a vast range of muscles, which all work together to help the movement and the support of the platypus. These types of muscles include, the skeletal muscle, the smooth muscle, and the cardiac muscle.
Skeletal System: The Platypus has a unique skeletal structure in that it has attributes of both mammals and reptiles. The main function of the animal's skeleton is protection, support, and movement.
A. Movement- The platypus skeleton structure is very unique. Its elongated structure is good for swimming, diving, walking on land, and for burrowing nests that can be around 20 feet deep, and sometimes even more. Like many mammals, they have seven cervical vertebrae but their ribs and inter clavicle resemble a reptile. This is why they are able to swim in water so well.
B. Support- Like most animals, the skeleton is especially important when it comes to support. For example, their forearms have huge muscles and huge bones. This makes swimming much easier for the platypus. The skeleton is firm, and helps to keep the entire makeup of the body stay together on the platypus.
C.Protection- The ribs on this animal provide support for the heart, and the lungs, which increases their life span because their internal organs are protected from predators. They also have a skull that protect the animal's brain, preventing trauma and also providing protection from predators.
Muscular System: The animal has a vast range of muscles, which all work together to help the movement and the support of the platypus. These types of muscles include, the skeletal muscle, the smooth muscle, and the cardiac muscle.