PLATYPUS is a prototype of a knowledge base system designed to facilitate scientific discovery in complex domains. PLATYPUS incorporates semantic data modeling capabilities, implementing Codd's RM/T model in innovative ways.
Property inheritance provides both an efficient method of storing otherwise redundant data values, and a means of drawing inferences about domains of study. Inheritance systems must face issues concerning the modification of values, and exception handling. Drawing upon the biological analogy the present discussion has proposed the use of dominant versus recessive markers to control contingent inheritance. Finally, there has been a discussion of how inheritance can be implemented within the framework of an RM/T model.