Platypuses By Lauren Kempton

Over the past month I have been researching the platypus. Here I will tell you its physical description, its habitat, it’s defenses, its prey, its predators, and some interesting facts.

Physical Description

Habitat Do you know where the platypus lives? The platypus is only found in Australia. It lives in both hot and cold climates. The platypus lives in a burrow and spends a lot of time in the water. The platypus can survive here because it has flippers to help it swim. It can also survive here because it can curl up its flippers and use its nails to dig its burrow.

Defense Do you know how the platypus protects itself? The platypus can defend itself because it has a poisonous spike on its ankle. If it touches an animal it could poison it.

Prey CRUNCH! CHOMP! The platypus eats its food. The platypus eats crayfish, worms, insects, and fish eggs. The platypus also eats plants in the water. However,the platypus does not have teeth. It chews with its beak.

Predators Do you know who the platypus’s predators are? The platypus has no actual predators. Long ago people hunted them for their fur. However, they are so unique now its illegal to hunt them.

Interesting Fact Some interesting facts about the platypus are…the platypus is one of the three egg laying mammals in the world! The female platypus lays eggs the size of grapes. There are only one species of platypuses. Finally, the awkward thing about the platypus is it looks like a cross between a beaver and a duck.

To conclude, I hope you liked this report. What did you learn about platypuses?