The platypus finds prey underwater with its sensitive bill
AI-generated cover illustration: качкодзьоб під водою шукає їжу дзьобом біля гравійного дна, очі заплющені; редакційна природнича сцена, не фото досліду. Походження: OpenAI image generation. Дата: 2026-10-20. Промпт: “Photorealistic vertical 4:5 editorial cover of a wild platypus foraging underwater in a clear Australian creek, swimming low above the gravel riverbed with its broad sensitive bill sweeping gently across the substrate, eyes visibly closed, smooth brown fur and webbed forefeet, filtered natural light and subtle bubbles. Accurate platypus anatomy, calm natural behavior. Illustrative nature scene, not a photograph of the specific research experiment and not showing invisible electric signals. No text, no labels, no people.”
When it dives to forage, the platypus closes its eyes, ears, and nostrils. It probes the bottom with its sensitive bill: mechanoreceptors detect movement and pressure in the water, while electroreceptors pick up weak electrical signals from prey muscles. This lets the platypus find food underwater without relying on sight.