Platypus Floppy, Swimming Platypus By: AC

Introduction The scientific name of a platypus is orrithorhynchus anatinas semiaquohc mammal. They are endangered They live 15 years They are part of the beaver family

Physical Features They have big strong bones to help them move fast. They also have a big bill for finding food. And they have poison their body to help them survive They have big webbed feet for swimming fast They have a bill to sense and find their prey they have a ducks bill, a body like a otter and a tail like a beaver.

Habitat/Climate

Food They are carnivores And they eat: Crayfish Small frogs Insects Worms

Prey and Predator Prey to: Predator of: Cray fish Alligators Small frogs Insects worms Alligators Tasmanian devil Sharks

Behavior They are aggressive for protecting their babies. They do not live in groups—they live alone Platypuses sleep at night. In the day they hunt for food they lay eggs They swim on the top of the water They dive down when they catch food They sleep on rocks They breath air through their nose and hold their breath underwater They close their ears and eyes when they dive into the water

Reproduction Platypuses lay 1-3 eggs. They take great care of their babies. They take care of their babies until they are 4 or 5 years old They are 1 foot wide when they are pregnant. They stay with one mate through life

Behavioral Adaptations They are aggressive and protect their babies so their young can be safe. They lay eggs in a secret hide out so other animals don’t eat them. They sleep on rocks to stay warm They close their eyes and ears so that they can sense their prey and catch it.

Physical Adaptations It kind of looks like a beaver because they have the same tail. And they use the tail to help swim fast They have bills to find their food and scoop it up from the bottom of the water. They have big webbed feet for swimming fast. They have a chubby bodies so they can survive a while without finding food.

Physiological Adaptations They have poison in them to help them fight off predators They have strong muscles which help them propel themselves through the water quickly Great hearing and smelling so they can find their prey They have good eyesight out of water to help them spot predators They have sharp stingers on their claws to help them contain their prey

Fun Facts Hunters used to kill platypuses for their skin . They are the only mammal to lay eggs. They are rare . They only live in the eastern of Australia . They close there eyes and ears and use their sense of smell to find their food.