
Platypus | Can’t Sleep? Learn About Nature’s Oddest Mammal
From I Can’t Sleep by Benjamin Boster & Glassbox Media
June 12, 2026 · 30 min · Season 8 · Episode 541
About this episode
This episode explores the unique traits and biology of the platypus, one of nature's most unusual mammals.
The platypus is one of the most unusual animals on Earth. This episode explores the strange combination of traits that make the platypus so distinctive, from its duck-like bill and webbed feet to its ability to lay eggs despite being a mammal. Along the way, you’ll hear about its discovery, unique biology, venomous spurs, electroreception, and the many ways this remarkable animal challenged scientists’ understanding of the natural world. It’s steady and consistent, with no whispering and no sudden changes, just enough to give your mind something to follow as you wind down. Happy sleeping! Read with permission from Platypus, Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platypus), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. — Ad-free episodes: icantsleep.supportingcast.fmHave a topic in mind? Request a topic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Benjamin Boster
Topics covered
- platypus
- nature
- biology
- mammals
- animal discovery
- venom
- electroreception
Keywords
- platypus
- mammal
- duck-bill
- webbed feet
- egg-laying
- venomous spurs
- electroreception
- nature
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Wikipedia
Books & works: Platypus
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