Platypuses feed on crustaceans like shrimp and crayfish, grinding them with keratinized pads instead of teeth. Their digestive system extracts maximum nutrients from hard exoskeletons. Stomach acid and intestines are specialized to process shells quickly. This allows them to consume large quantities efficiently. They can adjust feeding strategy depending on prey size. Efficient digestion supports energy needs for swimming and thermoregulation. It demonstrates dietary specialization for survival in aquatic environments.
Dietary adaptation supports energy demands and ecological niche exploitation.
Platypuses efficiently convert crustaceans into essential nutrients.
Unique dentition replacement supports survival without true teeth.
Australian Museum (australian.museum)