![]() We first observed platypus biofluorescence at the Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH) in Chicago, Illinois, USA. We used museum specimens, photography, and fluorescence spectroscopy to examine platypus pelage under UV light. While most past research on mammalian biofluorescence has been based on the study of museum specimens, live animals with biofluorescent pelage have been observed, validating collection-based research ( Meisner 1983 Kohler et al. ![]() The fur of other species biofluoresces in shades of red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, lavender, and pink ( Meisner 1983 Pine et al. 2019) and only the water opossum ( Chironectes minimus), which biofluoresces purple, is semi-aquatic ( Pine et al. Of the species of mammals previously known to have biofluorescent pelage under UV light, all are nocturnal–crepuscular ( Meisner 1983 Pine et al. Platypus fur is uniform in color, extremely dense (providing insulation in water), and covers the body except for the bill, feet, and the underside of the tail ( Pasitschniak-Arts and Marinelli 1998). Swimming with their eyes closed, they rely on mechanoreception and electroreception to locate prey underwater ( Pettigrew et al. Platypuses are typically nocturnal–crepuscular and use a suite of unique phenotypic traits to exploit low-light aquatic environments at dawn, dusk, overnight, and in murky water ( Pasitschniak-Arts and Marinelli 1998 Pettigrew et al. Platypuses are semi-aquatic monotremes that inhabit streams, lakes, and lagoons across eastern Australia, ranging from Queensland to Victoria and Tasmania ( Pasitschniak-Arts and Marinelli 1998). Living monotremes represent an ancient mammalian lineage with a long independent evolutionary history. Here we document the discovery of fluorescence of the pelage of the platypus ( Ornithorhynchus anatinus)-to our knowledge, the first report of biofluorescence in a monotreme mammal under UV light. 1985) and placental flying squirrels ( Kohler et al. ![]() Within mammals, biofluorescence of the pelage under ultraviolet (UV) light has been previously documented in nocturnal–crepuscular New World taxa including marsupial opossums (Meisner 1983 Pine et al. 2014), reptiles and amphibians ( Gruber and Sparks 2015 Lamb and Davis 2020) and birds ( Pearn et al. The Fact Book encompasses essential subheadings such as Appearance, Habitat, Diet, Lifecycle, Interesting Features, and Fun Facts.īrowse through our preview to catch a glimpse of every page included in this valuable resource.Biofluorescence, in which short wavelengths of light are absorbed and longer wavelengths are re-emitted by living organisms, has been observed in a wide range of fishes ( Sparks et al.Engaging fact book presentation templates designed specifically for creating captivating lapbooks. ![]()
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