image credit Guardian
A giant, carnivorous platypus with fearsome teeth once roamed the waterways of Australia, researchers have discovered. The newly identified species, dubbed Obdurodon tharalkooschild, measured about a meter long, double the size of its modern-day equivalent.
Within the distinctive platypus beak, the animal had rows of sharp teeth, which scientists believe they used to slice and chew crayfish, frogs and small turtles. However, the ancient platypus is now extinct.