Podcast
Questions and Answers
What distinguishes the reproductive method of the platypus from other mammals?
What distinguishes the reproductive method of the platypus from other mammals?
- It lays eggs. (correct)
- It has a pouch for its young.
- It gives live birth.
- It reproduces through budding.
Which of the following best describes the diet of the platypus?
Which of the following best describes the diet of the platypus?
- It consumes a variety of aquatic animals like shrimp and insects. (correct)
- It primarily eats fruits and nuts.
- It has an herbivorous diet, focusing on grasses.
- It is strictly carnivorous, feeding only on fish.
What is a notable physical feature of male platypuses?
What is a notable physical feature of male platypuses?
- They have a longer tail than females.
- They have vibrant feathers.
- They are feathered above their webbed feet.
- They possess sharp stingers on their heels. (correct)
How long do platypuses generally spend hunting for food each day?
How long do platypuses generally spend hunting for food each day?
Why were scientists initially skeptical about the existence of the platypus?
Why were scientists initially skeptical about the existence of the platypus?
Flashcards
What is a platypus?
What is a platypus?
A mammal that lays eggs, unlike most mammals that give birth to live young. It is found only in Australia.
Describe the physical features of a platypus.
Describe the physical features of a platypus.
Platypuses have webbed feet, a flat bill, and a beaver-like tail.
Where do platypuses live and what do they do?
Where do platypuses live and what do they do?
They live near streams and rivers, hunting for food in the water for about 12 hours a day.
What do platypuses eat?
What do platypuses eat?
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How do platypuses eat without teeth or a stomach?
How do platypuses eat without teeth or a stomach?
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Study Notes
Platypus Characteristics
- Platypus is an unusual creature
- Flat bill, webbed feet like a duck
- Tail like a beaver
- Brown fur and body like an otter
- Sharp claws, males have stingers
- Mammal that lays eggs
Platypus Habitat and Behavior
- Naturally found in Australia
- Walks awkwardly on land, swims gracefully
- Builds nests near streams and rivers
- Spends much time in water, hunting
- Hunts about 12 hours a day
- Eats shrimp, crayfish, insects, and worms
Platypus Anatomy
- Unique digestive system: no teeth, no stomach
- Gullet leads directly to intestines
- Stores food in gullets
Platypus Discovery and Controversy
- First discovery, no one knew what it was
- Thought to be a hoax, or a trick
- Some scientists thought it was sewn parts of animals
- Took scientists nearly 100 years to confirm it was a real animal
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