Platypus: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification
The platypus is a truly fascinating animal. This unique creature is native to Australia and belongs to a group of mammals known as monotremes, which are rare and primitive. The history of the platypus dates back millions of years ago, making it one of the oldest surviving mammal species on Earth. Its peculiar appearance and interesting behaviors have intrigued scientists and animal-lovers alike for centuries.
When it comes to facts, the platypus has quite a few surprises up its sleeve. First and foremost, it lays eggs, which is very unusual among mammals. Another amazing fact is that the males have venomous spurs on their hind legs, making them one of the few venomous mammals. Furthermore, the platypus is a master of adaptation, with its duck-like bill, webbed feet, and waterproof fur that allows it to thrive both on land and in water.
In terms of size, the platypus is generally small, measuring around 40 to 60 centimeters in length. It has a stocky build, with a flat tail and short legs. As for its habitat, the platypus is found in freshwater environments such as rivers, streams, and lakes, where it spends a considerable amount of time searching for food. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and burrows along the banks for shelter.
In conclusion, the platypus is undoubtedly a remarkable animal that captivates our imagination. With its rich history, extraordinary features, and ability to adapt, it is a true testament to the diversity and wonder of the animal kingdom. If you’re interested in learning more about animals, make sure to check out our blog, where we already have an article on 155+ animal names that will surely pique your curiosity.
History of Platypus
The platypus is a unique and fascinating creature that has been around for millions of years. Its history can be traced back to the time of the dinosaurs! This animal is native to Australia, and it is one of the few egg-laying mammals in the world.
For a long time, scientists were confused about the platypus. They couldn’t decide if it was a mammal, a reptile, or something else entirely! That’s because it has features from different animals. It has a duck-like bill, webbed feet like a duck, and it lays eggs like a reptile. But it also has fur and produces milk to feed its young, which are mammal characteristics.
The discovery of the platypus amazed people all over the world. When European explorers first encountered this odd creature in the late 18th century, they thought it was a hoax! They couldn’t believe that an animal with such extraordinary features actually existed. However, as more specimens were found and studied, scientists began to understand that the platypus was indeed a real animal.
Despite being around for millions of years, the platypus faces some challenges today. Loss of habitat due to human activities, pollution in the water, and the introduction of predators threaten their survival. Efforts are being made to protect and conserve this unique animal, so that future generations can continue to marvel at the wonder of the platypus.
Importance of Platypus
The platypus is a unique animal that holds great importance in the natural world. This astonishing creature is a mammal, but it has characteristics we normally associate with birds and reptiles. Due to its special features, the platypus plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem.
Firstly, the platypus is an effective indicator species. This means that its presence or absence can indicate the health of an entire ecosystem. As the platypus is sensitive to pollutants and changes in water quality, the decline in its population can be a warning sign of environmental problems. By studying the number and behavior of platypuses, scientists can learn more about the condition of rivers and wetlands, helping them identify and address issues that may harm other species as well.
Secondly, the platypus provides benefits to its habitat through its foraging behavior. With its unique bill, the platypus can sift through the riverbed, feeding on insects, worms, and small crustaceans. These feeding habits help control the populations of these organisms, preventing them from becoming too abundant and disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. In this way, the platypus acts as a natural controller of the river’s biodiversity.
Lastly, the platypus contributes to scientific research. Its peculiar characteristics, such as its ability to produce venom, lay eggs, and detect electric fields, have intrigued scientists for centuries. By studying the platypus, researchers gain valuable insights into evolutionary biology and biochemistry. The knowledge gained from studying this extraordinary animal can be applied to various fields, including medicine and engineering, leading to advancements that benefit humans and other animals alike.
In conclusion, the platypus is not just a fascinating and adorable creature; it plays a vital role in the ecosystem, serves as an indicator species, helps regulate the balance of its habitat, and contributes to scientific research. Protecting this unique animal is essential for preserving the health of our environment and gaining valuable knowledge that can improve our society.
Amazing Facts About Platypus
1. The platypus is a unique mammal that is native to Australia.
2. It is one of the few venomous mammals in the world, as males have spurs on their hind legs that can deliver venom.
3. The platypus has a duck-like bill and webbed feet, making it well adapted for its semi-aquatic lifestyle.
4. It has a streamlined body, which helps it glide through the water with ease.
5. The platypus is an excellent swimmer and can hold its breath for up to five minutes.
6. It mainly feeds on aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, worms, crustaceans, and small fish.
7. Despite being a mammal, female platypuses lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young.
8. They typically lay one to three eggs at a time and incubate them in a burrow for about ten days.
9. Platypus eggs are soft-shelled and leathery, unlike the hard shells of bird eggs.
10. The young platypuses, called ‘puggles,’ hatch after about ten days and are cared for by their mother until they are independent.
11. Platypuses are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active during the night.
12. They have excellent senses of hearing, smell, and electroreception, which helps them locate prey in the water.
13. The platypus uses its bill to detect electrical signals produced by other animals, making it an effective hunter.
14. It has a lifespan of about 15 years, although it can vary depending on factors such as predation and habitat conditions.
15. Due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, platypuses are facing threats to their survival and are considered a vulnerable species.
Can we keep Platypus as our Pet?
The platypus animal is a unique creature found in Australia. They have a duck-like bill, a furry body, and webbed feet. However, it is not suitable to keep platypuses as pets. Platypuses are wild animals and they require special care and environment that cannot be provided at home.
Platypuses are protected species in Australia because their population is decreasing. They are facing the threat of extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. These factors have made it difficult for them to survive in the wild. It is important to let them live freely and undisturbed in their natural habitat, rather than keeping them as pets.
Moreover, platypuses have specific dietary and environmental needs that are hard to meet in a domestic setting. They primarily feed on insects, worms, and small crustaceans found in rivers and streams. Their lifestyle and behaviors are not suitable for a home environment. Keeping them as pets would not only be harmful to their well-being, but it would also disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems they inhabit.
In conclusion, it is not feasible or ethical to keep platypuses as pets. These fascinating creatures should be appreciated and protected in their natural habitats. It is essential to raise awareness about their conservation and take measures to ensure their survival in the wild. By respecting their natural way of life, we can contribute to the preservation of this unique species for future generations.
Size of Platypus
The platypus is a unique and fascinating animal found in Australia. It has an interesting body structure and an average size that stands out among other creatures. The adult platypus has a length of about 50 to 60 centimeters, which is equivalent to the size of a small dog. Its weight varies between 1 to 2 kilograms. This makes the platypus relatively smaller compared to other mammals.
One of the striking features of the platypus is its bill, which is quite long and flat. Its bill alone can measure about 7 to 9 centimeters in length. This bill, combined with its webbed feet, helps the platypus to navigate in the water with ease. Despite its small size, the platypus is a strong swimmer and spends most of its time in rivers and streams.
Additionally, the platypus has a furry body and a tail that adds to its overall size. The tail length of the platypus measures around 10 to 12 centimeters. Its body is covered with thick and waterproof fur, which helps keep the platypus warm and dry when it dives underwater. The overall size of the platypus, including its tail and bill, contributes to its distinctive appearance.
In conclusion, the platypus is a small-sized mammal with a length ranging from 50 to 60 centimeters and a weight of 1 to 2 kilograms. Its bill, measuring about 7 to 9 centimeters, and its tail length of 10 to 12 centimeters, are some of the features that make the platypus unique. Despite its small size, the platypus is a skillful swimmer and can be easily recognized by its interesting body structure.
Habitat of Platypus
The platypus is a fascinating animal that lives in a unique habitat. It is found in the eastern parts of Australia, particularly in freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams. These water bodies provide the perfect environment for the platypus to thrive.
The habitat of the platypus is mostly made up of dense vegetation, such as reeds and grasses, which grow along the rivers and lakes. These plants provide hiding places for the platypus as it hunts and rests. The platypus builds burrows into the banks of the rivers, creating cozy homes where it can retreat and lay its eggs. These burrows have multiple entrances, making it easier for the platypus to escape from predators.
Platypuses are well-adapted to their aquatic habitat. They have several unique features that help them survive in water. Their webbed feet and waterproof fur enable them to swim swiftly and dive deep underwater. They also have a special membrane that covers their eyes and ears, allowing them to close these body parts while underwater. This helps them to search for food, such as insects, worms, and small crustaceans, using their sensitive bills. The platypus can hold its breath for several minutes, thanks to its ability to store extra oxygen in its muscles.
In conclusion, the platypus has a specific habitat in the freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams of eastern Australia. Its environment is characterized by dense vegetation, which provides shelter and hiding places. The platypus is well-equipped to live in this aquatic habitat, thanks to its unique physical adaptations.
Evolution of Platypus
The platypus, a unique and fascinating animal, has gone through a remarkable process of evolution throughout history. Millions of years ago, platypus ancestors were more like reptiles, laying eggs and having a body covered in scales. However, as time went on, they started to acquire mammalian characteristics.
During this evolutionary journey, the platypus developed some extraordinary features. One of its most distinctive traits is the duck-like bill, which it uses to find food underwater. This bill is covered in a sensitive skin that can detect electrical signals, allowing the platypus to locate prey even in the dark. In addition, the males have venomous spurs on their hind legs, which they use for self-defense during territorial disputes.
Furthermore, the platypus has adapted to its semi-aquatic lifestyle. Its webbed feet and sleek body enable it to swim gracefully in water, while its dense fur keeps it warm. Interestingly, to help them navigate underwater, platypuses even close their eyes, ears, and nostrils, relying entirely on their bill’s sensory capabilities.
In conclusion, the platypus has undergone an incredible transformation over millions of years. From reptilian ancestors, it has evolved into a unique and fascinating mammal with its duck-like bill, venomous spurs, and amazing adaptations for an aquatic life. This remarkable creature serves as a testament to the wonders of evolution and the diversity of life on our planet.
Classification of Platypus
The platypus is a unique and fascinating animal that lives in parts of Australia. It belongs to a group of mammals called monotremes, which are special because they lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Monotremes are very rare and the platypus is one of only five species of monotremes that exist today.
The platypus has a mixture of characteristics from different types of animals. It has a beak that resembles a duck’s beak, a body covered in fur like a mammal, and webbed feet like a duck. In fact, it spends most of its time in the water, where it hunts for food. The platypus is classified as a semi-aquatic mammal because it can swim and dive effectively, but it also needs to come to the surface to breathe through its nostrils.
Scientists have conducted extensive research on the platypus to learn more about its classification and evolution. The platypus is classified under the kingdom Animalia, which encompasses all animals, and under the class Mammalia, which includes animals that have mammary glands and give birth to live young. It is further classified in the order Monotremata, which includes all monotremes, and in the family Ornithorhynchidae, which consists solely of the platypus. The scientific name of the platypus is Ornithorhynchus anatinus.
In conclusion, the platypus is a unique animal that is classified as a semi-aquatic mammal and belongs to the group of monotremes. It has a mixture of characteristics from different animals and stands out for laying eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Scientists continue to study and learn more about this fascinating creature.
Types of Platypus
1. Duck-billed Platypus: The most commonly known type of platypus with its signature duck-like bill. It uses its bill to hunt small invertebrates underwater, guiding the prey into special cheek pouches that let it chew later. It is the only mammal that lays eggs.
2. Eastern Platypus: This type of platypus is found in the eastern parts of Australia, mainly in rivers and streams. It has dense fur that helps it stay warm in cold water, and its webbed feet enable swift swimming. It usually feeds on worms, insects, and crustaceans.
3. Western Platypus: Being similar in appearance to the Eastern Platypus, it inhabits the western regions of Australia. It is known for its reduced webbing between its toes, which makes it a less efficient swimmer compared to other types. It primarily forages for aquatic invertebrates.
4. Northern Platypus: Also known as the Cape York Platypus, it dwells in the waters of northern Australia. This species has more of a reddish-brown coloration and larger, more muscular limbs compared to other types. It feeds on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
5. Tasmanian Platypus: Living in rivers and lakes across Tasmania, this platypus is recognized by its thicker fur compared to other types. It can easily adapt to cold water environments and has strong forelimbs for digging burrows. It mainly preys on aquatic invertebrates and fish.
6. Short-beaked Platypus: Found in both eastern and southern Australia, this type has a shorter and wider bill compared to the other species, which aids in capturing prey more efficiently. It has smaller hind feet, making it adapted for quick swimming and diving.
7. Long-beaked Platypus: Inhabiting the rivers and streams of northeastern Australia, this platypus has a longer bill, enabling it to access food in deeper water or beneath stones. It feeds on a variety of aquatic organisms, including insects, worms, and fish.
8. Broad-beaked Platypus: Mainly seen in the Murray-Darling Basin of Australia, this species features a broader bill compared to other platypus types. Its distinctive bill shape assists in capturing prey such as small fish and crayfish, making it a skilled hunter in its habitat.
9. Furry Platypus: Found in the alpine regions of New South Wales and Victoria, this type possesses an extra layer of fur to keep itself warm in colder climates. It primarily consumes aquatic insects and crustaceans, using its strong forelimbs to dig burrows.
10. Giant Platypus: This extinct species, also known as Obdurodon, lived approximately 15 million years ago in ancient Australia. It was much larger than the current platypus species, resembling a beaver with a bill. It is believed to have lived in freshwater habitats, most likely feeding on fish and mollusks.
Geographical Presence of Platypus
The Platypus is found in the region of Australia and Tasmania, which are both located in the southern hemisphere. These unusual creatures inhabit freshwater areas such as rivers, streams, and lakes, where they build burrows in the banks to live in. They have a unique appearance with a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail, which makes them easily identifiable.
However, you won’t find Platypus in any other part of the world apart from Australia and Tasmania. They are endemic to these regions, which means they are only found there and nowhere else. This is because they are specially adapted to the environment and conditions found in these areas.
Platypus are not found in other countries or continents, like Europe, Africa, or North America. They are exclusive to Australia and Tasmania due to their evolutionary history and the specific ecological niche they occupy. So if you ever wish to see a Platypus in its natural habitat, you will have to travel to Australia or Tasmania, as that is the only place they call home.
Scientific Name of Platypus
The scientific name of the platypus animal is Ornithorhynchus anatinus. This unique creature is native to Australia and is often referred to as a monotreme, which means it is one of the few mammals that lay eggs. The platypus is a fascinating mix of different features from various animals, making it quite special.
Firstly, it has a beak that resembles that of a duck, allowing it to search for food underwater. This beak is actually filled with sensors that help the platypus detect prey, such as insects and small fish, by using electrical signals. Additionally, the platypus has a body covered in fur, similar to mammals like otters, which keeps it warm in the water.
Another remarkable characteristic of the platypus is its ability to swim. It has webbed feet that enable it to glide through the water with ease. These webbed feet also serve another purpose on land, as they allow the platypus to move swiftly and dig burrows where it builds its nests and shelters.
In conclusion, the platypus, scientifically known as Ornithorhynchus anatinus, is an extraordinary animal found in Australia. With its unique combination of features, such as a duck-like beak, a furry body, and webbed feet, the platypus demonstrates remarkable adaptation to its aquatic and terrestrial habitats. It is truly a fascinating creature worthy of our admiration and study.
Diet of Platypus
The diet of the platypus animal mainly consists of small water creatures that live in rivers and streams. These clever little creatures are known as semi-aquatic mammals and they have a unique way of finding their food. They spend lots of time swimming and diving underwater in search of their favorite snacks.
One of the platypus’ main sources of food is insects, such as beetles and dragonflies. They also eat worms, small shrimp, and even small fish! They use their sensitive bills to detect vibrations in the water and locate their prey. Once found, they quickly scoop up their meal with their mouths.
The platypus doesn’t have teeth, so it uses special pads on the roof of its mouth to crush and grind its food, kind of like mashed potatoes! After munching on their tasty catch, they swallow it whole. Sometimes they even store extra food in cheek pouches to eat later when they’re not hunting.
In summary, the platypus has a diverse diet that includes insects, worms, shrimp, and small fish. They use their unique beaks and sensitive bills to locate and capture their prey, relying on their strong swimming and diving skills. Despite not having teeth, platypuses have special mouth pads that help them break down their food before swallowing.
Locomotion of Platypus
The platypus is a unique animal that can move in different ways. When it is on land, the platypus walks or crawls using its four short legs. They are strong and help the platypus move around on solid ground. This funny-looking creature can also use its webbed feet to swim in the water. When the platypus is swimming, it moves its front feet in a paddling motion, just like a duck. Its back feet and tail act like a rudder, steering it through the water. The platypus can stay underwater for a long time, using its webbed feet to swim quickly and catch delicious food like insects and shrimp.
Although the platypus is quite good at moving on land and in water, it may not be the fastest animal around. However, it is certainly a skillful swimmer, thanks to its unique body structure. The platypus is a small animal and can swim using its flat bill and webbed feet. It is fascinating to watch how this little creature can adapt to its environment and move around effortlessly. Whether on land or in water, the platypus is a true marvel of nature.
Social and Sexual Behaviour of Platypus
The platypus, a unique mammal found in Australia, has intriguing social and sexual behaviors. These creatures are solitary, spending most of their time alone, although they do have some interactions with other platypuses. They communicate with each other by making soft grunts and growls underwater, and they mark their territories using scent glands located on their bodies.
When it comes to reproduction, the platypus has a rather unusual method. They do not form long-lasting relationships or families like many other mammals. Instead, during the mating season, the female platypus will attract several males and mate with multiple partners. After mating, the female builds a burrow where she lays eggs, usually about two to four. She incubates the eggs for about ten days before they hatch.
After hatching, the mother platypus nurses her young with milk secreted from her belly. The babies suckle milk by latching onto specialized patches of skin on her belly, as platypuses do not have nipples. Once the young are old enough, they leave the burrow and venture into the world on their own.
In summary, the remarkable platypus has a solitary lifestyle but still communicates with other members of its species. During mating season, the females attract multiple males and lay several eggs. After hatching, the mother cares for her babies until they are ready to explore their surroundings independently.
Reproduction and Lifecycle of Platypus
The reproduction and life cycle of the fascinating platypus animal is quite unique. It begins with the female platypus laying eggs like a bird or reptile, but it is a mammal! The eggs are soft and leathery, and the mother usually lays one to three eggs at a time. She then curls her body around the eggs to keep them warm, just like a kangaroo.
After about ten days, the eggs hatch, and little baby platypuses, called puggles, emerge. These cute, tiny creatures are blind and hairless, much like newborn mice. The mother platypus nurses her puggles with milk, which is unusual for a mammal that usually lays eggs. The puggles drink the milk from tiny holes in the mother’s belly.
As the puggles grow, they become more independent. At around three to four months old, they leave their mother and go on their own. It is amazing how such a unique animal can survive and thrive in the wild. The platypus goes through its life cycle by laying eggs, taking care of its babies, and eventually letting them go off on their own to start their own families.
In summary, the platypus is a fascinating creature that lays eggs despite being a mammal. The females take care of their eggs until they hatch, and the blind and hairless puggles are nursed by their mother. As the puggles grow, they become more independent and venture out on their own. This is how the platypus reproduces and experiences its life cycle in the wild.
Threats to Platypus
The platypus, a fascinating animal native to Australia, faces several threats that put its survival at risk. One major threat is the destruction of its natural habitat. As human activities continue to expand, the land where platypuses live is being taken over for things like agriculture, urban development, and mining. This reduces the platypus’ available living space and disrupts their ability to find food and mates.
Another significant threat to the platypus is pollution. When chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides are used in agriculture, they can seep into rivers and streams where platypuses live. This pollution can harm their health and even lead to death. In addition, littering and improper waste disposal also contribute to pollution in their habitats. Plastic items, such as bags and bottles, can be mistaken for food by the platypus and cause serious harm if ingested.
Finally, climate change poses a significant threat to the platypus. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns affect the habitats in which the platypus lives and the availability of food sources. Moreover, extreme weather events like floods and droughts become more frequent due to climate change, making it challenging for the platypus to adapt and survive.
To protect the platypus, it is crucial to conserve its natural habitat by preventing deforestation and unsustainable development practices. Efforts should also be made to reduce pollution in waterways by implementing stricter regulations on chemical usage and promoting responsible waste management. Additionally, addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems can help safeguard the future of the platypus and other endangered species.
Population of Platypus
The population of the platypus animal is estimated to be between 30,000 to 40,000 individuals. These unique creatures can be found in freshwater systems along the east coast of Australia, including rivers, streams, and lakes. While they may not be commonly seen, their population numbers are relatively stable at the moment.
However, it is important to note that the platypus faces several threats that could potentially impact its population in the future. Pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change are some of the main factors that may endanger these fascinating animals. Efforts are being made to protect and conserve their habitats, but continued action is necessary to ensure the long-term survival of the platypus.
If the platypus were to become extinct, it would be a great loss to the world’s biodiversity. These extraordinary creatures are one of only a few mammals that lay eggs. They have unique adaptations, like their duck-like bills and webbed feet, which make them truly remarkable. Their extinction would be a sad reminder of how human activities can negatively impact the natural world, and it highlights the importance of preserving and caring for our planet’s diverse species.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the platypus is a fascinating animal with a rich history. Despite its unique appearance and unusual combination of features, it is a mammal just like us. Its long and flat bill helps it catch food in the water, while its webbed feet make it an excellent swimmer. The platypus is truly a master of both land and water, as it can also dig burrows to live in along the riverbanks.
While the platypus may be small in size, its impact on the scientific world is significant. Its discovery in the late 18th century left many astonished, as it challenged the existing classification systems. Eventually, scientists were forced to create a new category called monotremes, which includes the platypus alongside the echidna.
The habitat of the platypus is primarily in Australia, where it is well adapted to its surroundings. It has the ability to regulate its body temperature, even in cold water, which is quite remarkable. These incredible creatures are a testament to the diversity and beauty of our natural world, reminding us that there is still so much to learn about the animals that share our planet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Platypus (FAQ’s)
Q: What is a platypus?
A: A platypus is a unique mammal native to Australia.
Q: How is a platypus different from other mammals?
A: One of the main distinguishing features of the platypus is its duck-like bill.
Q: Can platypuses fly?
A: No, platypuses cannot fly as they do not have wings.
Q: What do platypuses eat?
A: Platypuses mainly feed on insects, worms, small crustaceans, and even small fish.
Q: Do platypuses lay eggs?
A: Yes, platypuses are one of the few mammals that lay eggs.
Q: Can platypuses produce milk?
A: Yes, female platypuses can produce milk to feed their young.
Q: How many eggs does a platypus lay?
A: Platypuses typically lay 1-3 eggs in a nesting burrow.
Q: How long does it take for a platypus egg to hatch?
A: Platypus eggs take about 10 days to hatch.
Q: Where do platypuses live?
A: Platypuses inhabit freshwater environments, such as rivers and streams, in eastern Australia.
Q: Are platypuses venomous?
A: Yes, male platypuses have venomous spurs on their hind legs.
Q: Can platypuses swim?
A: Yes, platypuses are excellent swimmers and spend a significant amount of time in the water.
Q: Do male platypuses take care of their offspring?
A: No, once the eggs are laid, males have no role in parenting and usually leave the burrow.
Q: How long do platypuses live?
A: In the wild, platypuses have an average lifespan of about 10-15 years.
Q: Do platypuses have any natural predators?
A: Platypuses do not have many natural predators, but they may be preyed upon by large birds, such as eagles.
Q: Are platypuses endangered?
A: Platypuses are listed as “Near Threatened” due to habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities.
Q: Can platypuses be kept as pets?
A: No, it is illegal to keep a platypus as a pet in most countries due to their protected status.
Hi there! I’m Morgan Gutierrez, and I love animals! I work as a Seasonal Animal Care Specialist at Brookfield Zoo and also teach people about animals, which is super fun. I studied at Valparaiso University in Lockport, Illinois, where I learned even more about these amazing creatures.
I’m not just about taking care of animals; I write articles about them, too! I explore and share many interesting animal stories, from cute kittens to giant elephants.
In the past, I’ve worked with veterinarians, helped with research, and even been an Animal Ambassador, bringing animals closer to people. Animals are my passion, and I enjoy helping others learn about them. So, if you ever want to know about animals, feel free to ask. I’ll explain it in a way that’s easy to understand, just like talking to a friend!
