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iOrnithorhynchidae
Image:Ornithorhynchidae-00.jpg Platypus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Monotremata Family: Ornithorhynchidae Gray, 1825
Genera
Obdurodon (extinct) Ornithorhynchus

Ornithorhynchidae is one of two families in the order Monotremata, and contains the Platypus and its extinct relatives. The other family is the Tachyglossidae, or echidnas. Within Ornithorhynchidae are two genera, Obdurodon and Ornithorhynchus:

• Family Ornithorhynchidae
  • Genus Obdurodon -- an ancient branch of the platypus family
    • Obdurodon dicksoni (extinct)
    • Obdurodon insignis (extinct)
    • Obdurodon/Monotrematum sudamericanum (extinct)
  • Genus Ornithorhynchus
    • Ornithorhynchus anatinus (the modern Platypus)
    • Ornithorhynchus maximus (now extinct)

Another two genera, Steropodon and Teinolophos may also belong to Ornithorhynchidae. However, they are both very ancient, and scientific literature seems to indicate that they are closely related to, but not a part of, the Ornithorhynchids.

[edit] References

• Groves, Colin (16 November 2005). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, p. 2. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.cs:Ptakopyskovití

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