Platypus Perspective: Diving into what this Unique Creature Taught me about Life

This beautiful journey started in Year 6 with an assignment on the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus).
As I watched multiple documentaries on The Discovery Channel and National Geo, and flipped through library books, reading facts about this peculiar creature, I couldn’t help but be fascinated. A semi-aquatic mammal with a duck-like bill, webbed feet and the ability to lay eggs—how could something so odd exist?

My curiosity ignited, and what began as a school project evolved into a lifelong appreciation for the strange and wonderful aspects of nature.

Native to Eastern Australia, the unique platypus defies classification. It belongs to the monotreme family, one of the oldest branches of mammals, alongside the echidna. While most mammals give birth to live young, monotremes lay eggs, a trait that links them to their reptilian ancestors.

The scientific name Ornithorhynchus anatinus translates to “bird-snout duck-like”, an apt description for its appearance. Beyond its quirky looks, the platypus is a marvel of evolution.

One of the most fascinating abilities of the platypus is its power of electroreception, a skill it shares only with the echidna among mammals. Electroreception allows the platypus to sense electrical changes in its environment, which it uses to hunt underwater. As it swims with its eyes, ears and nostrils closed, the platypus relies on specialised receptors in its bill to detect the electric fields generated by the movement of prey.

This incredible adaptation reflects the ability of the platypus to thrive in its aquatic habitat. It also serves as a reminder of how the brain and body can evolve to meet the challenges of survival in surprising and creative ways.

The platypus has taught me far more than just biological facts—it has taught me about embracing the unexpected. 

Here are a just a few lasting lessons I have gained from this remarkable creature:

Embrace Your Uniqueness: The greatest strength of the platypus is that doesn’t fit neatly into any category. Like the platypus, we all have quirks and traits that make us unique. Celebrate them!

Adaptability is Key: From its webbed feet to its electroreception, the platypus is a master of adaptation. In life, challenges often require us to adapt and grow in unexpected ways.

Curiosity fuels Connection: My fascination with the platypus began with curiosity. Staying curious about the world around us helps us connect with nature, others, and ourselves.

Looking back, my Year 6 project was about so much more than just about facts about a quirky creature—it was about learning to marvel at the mysteries of the world. The platypus taught me to value curiosity, to ask questions and to look deeper than appearances. Whether it’s exploring the natural world or examining the inner workings of the brain, curiosity opens doors to endless discovery.

Like the platypus, we are each a blend of quirks, strengths and hidden talents. What would life be like if we embraced our uniquness, adapted to challenges and followed our curiosity wherever it led?

The platypus may be a creature of ancient origins, but its lessons are timeless. In its webbed footsteps, may we all find the courage to be as wonderfully unique as nature intended. 

It is more than okay to Break (or even create) the Rules: The platypus is a rule-breaker in every sense of the word. It blurs the lines between mammals, reptiles and birds, reminding us that life doesn’t have to fit into neat little boxes. In our own lives, we often feel pressured to follow societal expectations or conform to predefined roles. The platypus teaches us to embrace our individuality and create our own path, even when it does against conventional norms.

The platypus is relatively small compared to other animals in its ecosystem, yet its unique adaptations make it a powerhouse of survival. From venomous spurs in males to its unparalleled electroreception, the platypus proves that being small doesn’t limit your potential or magnificence. Similarly, our contributions—no matter how small—can have a significant impact on the world around us.

When hunting, the platypus doesn’t rely on brute strength. It knows how to work smarter rather than harder by using its electroreception to detect the movements of prey, conserving energy and ensuring efficiency. This is a perfect metaphor for working smarter, not harder. Whether it’s finding creative solutions to problems or prioritising tasks, the platypus reminds us to use our strengths strategically.

The platypus lives both in water and on land, seamlessly transitioning between the two environments. Balance is vital and this balance mirrors the importance of flexibility in our own lives. We can learn to move fluidly between different aspects of ourselves—work and rest, logic and intuition, action and stillness.

The platypus represents a living bridge between ancient and modern species, carrying traits from millions of years ago while thriving in the current world. Don’t be afraid to evolve as evolution, whether biological or personal, is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Embracing change is a key part of growth, and the platypus inspires us to adapt and thrive in our own ever-changing environments.

The platypus shows us that collaboration with nature is key. This creature thrives in rivers and streams, perfectly adapted to its environment. It reminds us of the importance of living in harmony with nature. By learning from the platypus, we can consider how to coexist with the natural world rather than dominating it.

The platypus is a marvel of evolution, shaped over millions of years to become one of the most unique animals on Earth, and what could be more unique than having baby Puggles (that’s right, young platypus are called puggles). Be patient—great things takes time. This reminds us that progress, whether personal or societal, doesn’t happen overnight. Patience and persistence are essential to creating something extraordinary.

The platypus embodies duality: it lays eggs but is also a mammal; it’s aquatic yet functions on land. Duality can be a strength and this duality reflects the importance of embracing all parts of ourselves, even those that seem contradictory. Strength lies in being multifaceted and embracing every aspect of who we are.

The platypus is native to Australian waterways and is a symbol of the delicate balance in ecosystems. Always protect what previous. Its survival depends on protecting clean water and its natural habitats. We must also cherish and protect the things that sustain us—our relationships, our health, our integrity and our environment. 

Despite its uniqueness, the platypus stays grounded in its habitat, playing a vital role in the ecosystem. Stay grounded, yet curious. This balance of groundedness and curiosity is a powerful reminder to stay rooted in our values while remaining open to exploring the unknown.

The platypus is proof of the boundless imagination of nature. Nature has infinite creativity. When faced with the strange combination of features of the Platypus, early scientists thought it was a hoax! This reminds us to embrace creativity in all its forms, allowing space for unconventional ideas and possibilities.

The platypus invites us to step out of the ordinary and celebrate the extraordinary.

By observing its life and lessons, we not only gain insights into the natural world but also into ourselves.

The next time you encounter a challenge, remember the platypus and its strange, wonderful and resilient nature—it might just inspire you to navigate life with even more curiosity and grace.