2. by Asher Flesch

3. There are five different groups of animals with vertebrates. These classifications are : Mammals Fish Reptiles Birds Amphibians

4. The Platypus’s Animal Classification The platypus has certain characteristics that makes it a mammal. Here some of it’s attributes: Platypus are warm -blooded. They have hair or fur. Platypus breath through lungs. Platypus lay eggs….unlike other mammals.

5. A Platypus is not like most mammals. The Platypus is a unique animal. Most mammals give birth to live babies. The Platypus lays eggs, The platypus does give its babies mother’s milk, but they do not have nipples to nurse their babies. The milk just oozes out of the body.

6. Platypus Diagram

7. The Platypus has thick, waterproof fur all over its body except for his duckbill. A Platypus is about the size of a pet cat. The male Platypus has a special claw on his back feet This very sharp claw is called a spur. It is attached to a venom sack inside the body. A Platypus has very tiny ears, their ears are tiny slits in its head. Platypuses have no nipples. A Platypus Appearance

8. Platypus Habitat Platypuses live in Australia. Platypuses habitat is underground burrows. Most of the time they’re in rivers looking for food.

9. Platypus Diet Platypuses eat tiny prey like crayfish, worms, insects, snails, and shrimp from muddy water. That’s why they like to live near the water.

10. Platypus Enemies Platypus enemies are red fox, feral cats, snakes, dingoes, water rats, goannas, alligators, crocodiles, and fresh water eels. Some animals steal their eggs too. So they have to guard their nests.

11. Conclusion We need to help the platypus. Here’s some advice: Stop fishing in rivers and lakes where platypuses live. Don’t take over their habitat. Don’t hurt them and they won’t hurt you.

12. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the platypus. To find more information, you can go to www.enchantedlearning.comwww.enchantedlearning.com You can also visit your local library to find a good non-fiction book.