Platypus

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

• Would you like to learn about the world's most confusing animal?

Well, if you answered the riddle by naming a platypus, then this lesson is for you!

The duck-billed platypus has confused scientists for ages.

It has so many strange features, scientists have a hard time classifying it!

• Is it a marsupial? A mammal?
• And what is going on with those claws?

The platypus has webbed toes and a bill sort of like a duck. A platypus also has the body and fur of an otter with the tail of a beaver.

The platypus is categorized as a mammal and is only one out of two mammals ever in recorded history that lays eggs and breast feeds its young. These two "odd" animals are actually classified into a subcategory of mammals called monotremes.

The platypus is an all-terrain type of animal. This is helpful to hunt prey, as well as to escape predators! With venomous nails on each of the male platypus’ hind or back flippers, they are prepared to fight off most prey on land or in the water.

1. Read National Geographic Kids Duck-Billed Platypus or National Geographic Platypus to learn about more about these interesting animals from Australia. Also, check out the beautiful close-up images of the platypus!

2. Watch Travel Australia. Platypus, Only in Australia, from Mark A, to find out more interesting facts about the platypus.

• Did you know it costs about $13,000 a year to feed a platypus in captivity?

Keep going in the Got It? section!