When platypuses are on land, their webbing retracts, making the claws more pronounced. The animals walk awkwardly on their knuckles to protect the webbing. The bill of a platypus, sometimes called a duck-billed platypus, has a smooth texture that feels like suede. It is also flexible and rubbery. The skin of the bill holds thousands of receptors that help the platypus navigate underwater and detect movement of potential food, such as shrimp.
Platypuses live in only one, small area of the world. These creatures make their homes in the freshwater areas that flow throughout the island of Tasmania and the eastern and southeastern coast of Australia. While they are in the water a lot, they will also waddle onto the riverbanks to dig burrows with their claws. These burrows are tunnels that have rooms or chambers. Platypuses also live under rock ledges, roots or debris. Though they exist on only one side of one continent, platypuses weather many climate extremes.
They have been found in plateaus, lowlands, tropical rainforests, and the cold mountains of Tasmania and the Australian Alps. Their waterproof, thick fur keeps platypuses warm in chilly temperatures, and their big tails store extra fat for energy. Platypuses usually spend their time hunting for food, and a hunt can last 10 to 12 hours. They are most active during nighttime and dusk, because they are nocturnal.
This means they sleep during the day. When not hunting, they stay in their burrows. Platypuses are carnivorous, which means they eat meat but not plants. They hunt for their food in the water where they live. Platypus venom is strong enough to kill a small animal like a dog. Although not potent enough to kill a human, it causes extreme pain, which can last for days or even months.
The venom is thought to be used during mating season, when males compete for females. Maybe someday you will be lucky enough to see a platypus. Just remember, they are not cuddly! News National Politics Schools. Facebook Twitter Email. How can platypuses be mammals when they lay eggs? Wonderopolis Feb 19, Hi, student! Wonderopolis Feb 25, Wonderopolis Sep 7, Alex Jun 27, Wonderopolis Jun 27, Eliz Jun 21, Mammals that lay eggs that are only found in Australia are called marsupials.
You should mention that in the wonder words and info. Wonderopolis Jun 22, Wonderopolis Jun 20, Great job guessing today's Wonder topic, Rahul! We're proud of you!
TJ Jun 20, I wish you would let me keep it in I do not understand! Jordan Jun 19, Wonderopolis Jun 19, We look at it everyday it is just awesome. We just learned about the hints and we really like that too. Are there any other wonderful things about Wonderopolis? I'm from Susan G's class. I really liked this. Its cool how platypuses have kinda fish-like front feet.
By the way, I'm in grade 3, 8 years old. Did you know that Sharks are fish and they give birth? Also, some special kinds of snakes give birth instead of laying eggs. Well, I think Platypuses are great animals. Are they endangered? How long can they stay underwater? How big is a platypus? Stella and Ruby Jun 19, We like the playtypus' webbed feet.
Do you think when it swims that it's eyes, ears, and nose are shut? Carlos a. Jun 19, This platypus you speak of, is he a secret agent? Because, I know one and his name is Perry, Perry the platypus.
He is the best agent I know! Wondergirl Jun 19, I think this was a great wonder of the day. I only know two monotremes that lay eggs. Is that all? And I think that tomorrows wonder will be on birds. Julia Jun 19, MAYA Jun 19, Hi maya's back! Sorry I couldn't come on as much as I would've wanted to. I love this interesting article. It was packed full with information.
I love wonderopolis! The Jennings Family Jun 19, Another quality of a mammal is that they nurse their young. Does the platypus nurse their young? If not, why would the platypus be considered a mammal? Logan Jun 19, I'm finally back! Is tomorrow on how birds fly? LKvolleyballGirl Jun 19, I already knew a little bit about the platypus, but one thing I didn't know was that they have venom!
I think tomorrow's wonder will be about birds migrating or how they fly. School is out and Summer is in. I think tomorrow's wonder is how butterfies fly have a good day. Alison Nixon and summer school Hi Wonder friends, This is our first post. I'm teaching summer school to 6th graders in St.
We really liked today's wonder. We didn't know that playtpus' were venomous. That's so cool. We wonder, are the females venomous too? Lia Jun 19, I think the wonder is going to be about birds migrating. Mandy Jun 19, Hi wonderopolis. Me and my class really liked the wonder of the day. Wonderopolis Jan 20, Hi We didn't know that the Platypus could produce venom in their feet. We were also surprised that the babies are the size of a lima bean.
Does it hatch with an actual beak and an egg tooth? What is their life span? We are curious about tomorrow's wonder! G's Class. WonderGirl Jun 19, So I think it will be about a plain or an airport!!!!!
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