The front feet of a platypus provide exceptional paddling power thanks to extensive webbing.
Image: Elonnon / CC BY SA - Creative Commons Attribution + ShareAlike
Close-up view of platypus foot with webbing
Image: John Lewin / Public Domain - No restrictions
Platypus
“The rear toes [of the platypus] are webbed like those of a duck; but the front feet are unique. The web extends along the sides of the feet and under, and beyond, the claws on all the toes. This more than doubles the surface area, and thus the paddling power, of the foot.” (Foy 1983:182)
