Story
Platypus fur has a surprising feature seen only in bird feathers
Key takeaway
Platypuses have a surprising feature in their fur - hollow structures similar to those found in bird feathers. This discovery suggests these mammals share an unexpected evolutionary connection with birds.
Quick Explainer
This news item reports that platypus fur contains hollow pigment-filled structures called melanosomes, a trait previously thought to be unique to bird feathers. This unusual feature of platypus hair remains unexplained in terms of its potential benefits to the animal.
