Now add venom, eggs ... On land, the platypus can retract the webbing to expose claws for digging. This dual-purpose foot structure highlights the animal’s adaptability and resourcefulness ...

Watch the Museum's venom evolution expert ... He was also fascinated by the platypus's bill, noting, 'the most extraordinary circumstance observed in its structure was, it having instead of the mouth ...

So, while co-opting these genes seems to be a common strategy for evolving venoms, the details of the gene duplications reveal that platypus venom and snake venom are independently derived features.

The platypus has a range of features that make it quite unlike any other animal. With a large bill, a paddle-like tail, webbed feet and a furry body, this funny-looking animal produces venom that ...