Platypuses are remarkable creatures with beaks that lay eggs. They are not classed as birds; they are known as monotremes—mammals that lay eggs.
They are also biofluorescent animals, which is different from bioluminescence, where the animal produces the light or hosts other organisms that shine. Various plants, fungi, flowers, insects, and fruits glow green or blue.
Scientists have known that various plants, fungi, fruits, flowers, insects, and birds can glow, but the fact that mammals can glow is a very recent discovery. Some species of flying squirrels and opossums have fluorescent fur. These biofluorescent mammals do not have much in common apart from being nocturnal—active during the night. Nocturnal mammals might be more likely to glow, yet it is unclear exactly why. Glowing might be a way to confuse predators.
Previously, we painted a puffin in the Biomimicry Journal with an almost glowing beak! So now you can add a glowing platypus to your Biomimicry Journal.
Creating a Biomimicry Journal is a bit different from designing a Nature Journal. Just like when making a Nature Journal, you can make drawings and write about what you see, smell, feel, taste and hear. You can also glue in leaves, flowers, and other natural treasures. But you also need to think about ideas and how to use observations to “invent ” and design things. And this is the most exciting part!
Looking for ideas to teach kids about the Platypus Life Cycle and other interesting facts?
You’ll find a booklet here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biomimicry?
Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature for solutions, then applying what we learn to design and problem-solving. Instead of inventing from scratch, it means studying how plants, animals, and ecosystems have already solved a challenge — like staying cool, collecting water, or absorbing carbon — and adapting that strategy for human use.
How does biomimicry help address climate change?
Nature has been adapting to extreme conditions for billions of years, so many organisms already hold working solutions to problems we now face at a larger scale — cooling buildings without electricity (termite mounds), collecting water in drought (the Namib beetle), protecting coastlines from storms (mangrove roots), and capturing carbon (corals, forests, kelp). Biomimicry means studying those solutions and applying the same principles to human design.
How can children get involved in biomimicry?
Children don’t need special training to think like a biomimicrist — just curiosity and a habit of asking “how does nature solve this?” Simple ways to start include a backyard scavenger hunt for nature’s patterns, a “design-an-animal” challenge for a changing climate, or building a small model (like a passive-cooling structure or a water collector) inspired by something they’ve observed outdoors.
Is biomimicry only for scientists and engineers?
No — biomimicry is as much a mindset as a profession. Anyone can practice it by observing nature closely and asking design questions. Professional biomimicry practitioners apply it in architecture, materials science, and engineering, but the same core skill — careful observation followed by “what if we built it that way?” — is exactly what this post’s classroom and family activities are designed to build in children.
Åsa Jomård
In 2015, Åsa completed a course in Biomimicry: A Sustainable Design Methodology at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. With over 10 years of experience exploring nature for inspiration and as a former member of Ben, Biomimicry Education Network, she brings both academic background and creative teaching experience to her work. Her materials seamlessly integrate stories, nature observations, and design challenges, making them perfect for inquiry-led learning in early primary contexts.
AI was used as a Thinking Partner.