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Time of India
03-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
5 surprising things that make platypuses so unique
In the world of wild animals, few creatures are as puzzling as the platypus. With its odd mix of features that seem borrowed from birds, mammals, and reptiles, it's no surprise this animal has baffled scientists and fascinated wildlife enthusiasts for years. Native to the rivers and streams of eastern Australia, the platypus isn't your average mammal– it breaks the usual rules and keeps challenging what we think we know about evolution and biology. Here are five lesser-known facts about the platypus that might surprise you. Male platypuses can inject venom When people hear 'venomous animal,' they usually think of snakes or insects, not a furry little creature like the platypus. But male platypuses actually have a venomous spur on their hind legs. It's most active during the breeding season and is likely used in fights with other males. The venom isn't deadly to humans, but it can cause a lot of pain and swelling, which usually fades away in a few days. Thankfully, human encounters with platypus are rare! One of the few egg-laying mammals Unlike most mammals, platypuses don't give birth to live babies. Instead, they lay eggs, just like birds or reptiles. They belong to a very small group of egg-laying mammals called monotremes. The mother keeps the eggs warm in her burrow for about ten days, and once they hatch, the tiny babies– called puggles– stay hidden in the nest, feeding on their mother's milk until they're strong enough to step out on their own. Why is it called a 'platypus' The name 'platypus' comes from Greek and means 'flat-footed,' which makes sense when you see its wide, webbed feet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, you have to play this game. Navy Quest Game Undo But here's something a lot of people don't realise– there's some confusion about how to say the plural for this creature. Most people say 'platypuses,' which is perfectly fine. But sometimes, in more formal or academic settings, you might hear 'platypodes,' which follows the original Greek rules. Both are correct, but 'platypuses' is more commonly used. Made for the water Platypuses are great swimmers and spend a lot of time in rivers looking for food. One reason they do so well in water is because of their special fur. They have two layers– one soft layer underneath that keeps them warm, and another thick layer on top that keeps water out. These layers trap air, which helps them stay dry and float better. It's nature's way of making sure they can swim, dive, and move around easily, even in cold water. Baby platypuses are called puggles Baby platypuses – cutely known as puggles – are just as unique as the adults. When they hatch, they're blind, hairless, and fully dependent on their mother. Unlike most mammals, the mother doesn't have teats. Instead, she releases milk through her skin, and the puggles simply lick it up. They stay hidden in the safety of the burrow for months, growing slowly until they're ready to step out and explore the world.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Obama on immigration: Former president breaks silence amid ICE arrests, speaks about DACA
Barack Obama spoke on immigration and said his administration showed the solution. Former president Barack Obama broke his silence on the immigration row that has plagued the country now with ICE arrests that led to riots in Los Anegesl, and said his administration showed how US could balance between the two -- a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. "DACA was an example of how we can be a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. And it's an example worth remembering today, when families with similar backgrounds who just want to live, work, and support their communities, are being demonized and treated as enemies," Obama said as he referred to his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. "Thirteen years ago, my administration acted to protect young people who were American in every single way but one: on can fix our broken immigration system while still recognizing our common humanity and treating each other with dignity and respect. In fact, it's the only way we ever will," Obama posted on X. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals started in 2012 under the Obama administration allowed certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US as children to receive temporary protection from deportation and work permits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, you have to play this game. Navy Quest Game Undo Eligible individuals, often called "Dreamers," must meet criteria like arriving before age 16, living in the US continuously since 2007, and having no serious criminal record. DACA does not provide a path to citizenship or permanent residency. The program has faced legal challenges and political debate. In 2020, the Supreme Court blocked an attempt to end it, but new applications were limited by a 2021 court ruling. As of recent data, about 540,000 people are enrolled, with renewals still processed. Its future remains uncertain, with ongoing litigation and potential policy changes under different administrations. Trump overturns Obama's script, praises ICE for mass deportation Hours after Obama's appeal to treat each other with dignity and respect, Trump on his Truth Social showered praises on ICE officers for "incredible strength, determination, and courage" for facilitating the "largest mass deportation operation of illegal aliens in history", "In order to achieve this, we must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America's largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside. These, and other such Cities, are the core of the Democrat Power Center, where they use Illegal Aliens to expand their Voter Base, cheat in Elections, and grow the Welfare State, robbing good paying Jobs and Benefits from Hardworking American Citizens. These Radical Left Democrats are sick of mind, hate our Country, and actually want to destroy our Inner Cities — And they are doing a good job of it! There is something wrong with them. That is why they believe in Open Borders, Transgender for Everybody, and Men playing in Women's Sports — And that is why I want ICE, Border Patrol, and our Great and Patriotic Law Enforcement Officers, to FOCUS on our crime ridden and deadly Inner Cities, and those places where Sanctuary Cities play such a big role. You don't hear about Sanctuary Cities in our Heartland!" Trump posted.
