Platypus

1
Platypus
http//pl.atyp.us/platypix/large/1018d_moved.jpg

• By Alexandra

2

• What mammal is part duck part beaver part otter
  has a venomous spur on its hind foot and is only
  found in Eastern Australia? You guessed it the
  platypus.

3
Physical Characteristics

• When the platypus goes underwater or drives for
  food it closes its ears and eyes. The platypus
  has several reptilian characteristics which
  include using the same opening for reproduction
  and eliminating waste products. It also has the
  ability to lay eggs, cervical rids, and local
  ascorbic acid synthesis in the kidney.

4
Habitat

• The platypus is found in all freshwater creeks,
  rivers, and lakes of eastern Australia from the
  cook town area in north to Tasmanian the south.
  It can be found in 26 of 31 river systems in
  Victoria, and a good quantity of water - dwelling
  invertebrates.

5
Feeding

• The platypus usually feeds at night on aquatic
  larvae, shrimps and worms. It dabbles in the mud
  or salt on the bottom of rivers and freshwater
  lakes with its sensitive, flexible, duck-like
  snout aided by electroreceptor (electronic sense)
  on its bill. These are in the cheek pouches and
  will be chewed after returning to the surface.

6
History

• The platypus was first seen in 1797 by early
  white settlers hear the Hawkesbury.The scientists
  first thought the Chinese played a trick on them
  by stuffing random animals parts together to make
  a funny looking animal. It was discovered and was
  called the platypus.

7
Fun Facts

• While underwater the platypus has its eyes and
  ears shut, and being buoyant, it must
  continuously swim downwards with webbed feet to
  remain submerged. According to a story he even
  tried to cut off his bill with scissors.

8

• Interestingly, that the platypus is the only
  mammal that lays eggs. It can only know where it
  is going by its bill. The platypus can eat its
  own body weight.

9
sources

• http//www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2022
• Austrailian-animals.net