Beaver Size vs. Platypus Size

Attribute	Beaver Size	Platypus Size
Weight	Up to 60 lbs	Up to 5.3 lbs
Length	Up to 3.3 ft	Up to 1.2 ft
Tail Length	Up to 15 in	Up to 5 in
Habitat	Water bodies	Water bodies

Physical Characteristics

Beavers are known for their large size, with adults typically weighing between 35 to 70 pounds. They can grow up to 3 feet in length, not including their broad, flat tail that can measure up to 15 inches long. In contrast, platypuses are much smaller in size, weighing only about 2 to 5 pounds on average. They typically measure around 1 to 2 feet in length, including their distinctive bill and webbed feet.

Body Shape

Beavers have a robust and stocky body shape, with short legs and a thick, muscular build that allows them to swim and dive efficiently. Their tail is wide and flat, serving as a rudder in the water and a storage place for fat reserves. Platypuses, on the other hand, have a more streamlined body shape, resembling that of an otter. They have a sleek profile that helps them move gracefully through the water, aided by their webbed feet and waterproof fur.

Fur and Coloration

Both beavers and platypuses have dense fur that helps insulate them in their aquatic habitats. Beavers have a waterproof coat of brown fur that is prized for its warmth and durability. Their fur is made up of two layers: a short, dense undercoat and longer, coarser guard hairs. Platypuses, on the other hand, have a unique fur structure that traps air bubbles close to their skin, providing insulation in the cold water. Their fur is dark brown on top and lighter underneath, helping them blend in with their surroundings.

Feet and Claws

Beavers have large, webbed hind feet that are adapted for swimming and diving. Their webbed feet act like paddles, propelling them through the water with ease. They also have sharp claws on their front feet for digging burrows and handling food. Platypuses, on the other hand, have webbed feet with retractable claws that help them navigate underwater and dig burrows on land. Their claws are used for grooming and capturing prey, such as insects and small crustaceans.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Beavers are herbivores that primarily feed on tree bark, twigs, and aquatic plants. They are known for their ability to fell trees with their powerful incisors and build elaborate dams and lodges. Beavers store food underwater near their lodges for easy access during the winter months. Platypuses, on the other hand, are carnivorous, feeding on a diet of insects, worms, and small crustaceans. They use their sensitive bill to detect prey in the muddy bottoms of rivers and streams, using electroreception to locate their food.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Beavers are monogamous animals that form lifelong bonds with their mates. They typically give birth to 2 to 4 kits in the spring, which are cared for by both parents in the safety of their lodge. Young beavers stay with their parents for about two years before venturing out on their own to find a mate and establish their own territory. Platypuses, on the other hand, are solitary animals that only come together to mate. Females lay 1 to 3 eggs in a burrow, which they incubate for about 10 days before hatching. Young platypuses are born blind and hairless, relying on their mother's milk for nourishment until they are old enough to fend for themselves.

Behavior and Social Structure

Beavers are known for their industrious nature and complex social structure. They live in family groups consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring, working together to build and maintain their dams and lodges. Beavers communicate through vocalizations, scent marking, and tail slapping on the water's surface. Platypuses, on the other hand, are more solitary animals that are rarely seen interacting with others. They are elusive creatures that spend much of their time foraging for food in the water, using their keen senses to detect prey and avoid predators.