The Mystery of The Platypus Deepens With The Discovery of Its Biofluorescent Fur
Last edited Sun Nov 8, 2020, 04:37 AM - Edit history (1)
CARLY CASSELLA
31 OCTOBER 2020
Scientists are seeing the Australian platypus in a whole new light. Under an ultraviolet lamp, this bizarre-looking creature appears even more peculiar than normal, glowing a soft, greenish-blue hue instead of the typical brown we're used to seeing.
The recent discovery has not been found in any other monotreme species, and it has scientists wondering: Have we been overlooking an ancient world of fluorescent fur?
"Biofluorescence has now been observed in placental New World flying squirrels, marsupial New World opossums, and the monotreme platypus of Australia and Tasmania," the authors write.
"These taxa, inhabiting three continents and a diverse array of ecosystems, represent the major lineages of Mammalia."
Over the centuries, biofluorescence has been reported in various plants, fungi, fruits, flowers, insects, and birds. It's only recently, however, that scientists have begun to actively track down examples in the animal kingdom. Many discoveries to date were simply happenstance.
More:
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-australian-platypus-is-the-latest-mammal-discovered-with-fluorescent-fur
