Yet the humble platypus, a small creature which quietly swims in the rivers of eastern Australia, has found yet another way to amaze scientists. In animals with spines, called vertebrates, the pigment called melanin protects against UV radiation, helps regulate body temperature and is responsible for the colour of skin, fur or feathers. Melanin is contained in tiny, specialised structures inside cells called melanosomes, the shape of which is linked to their colour. Platypus melanosomes were mostly spherical – which should give it reddish-orange fur. "To the best of our knowledge, this is the only example of hollow melanosomes in mammals," Dobson said.

Source: The Star April 07, 2026 14:31 UTC