ANIMAL Teachers

WARM-BLOODED ONES
DUCK-BILLED PLATYPUS
Believe in the Improbable

When Duck-billed Platypus was exhibited in England in the 1700s, people thought that He was a fake.
Some prankster must have sewn a ducks beak on a beavers body. For ninety years, He confounded
biologists. What was Duck-billed Platypus: Bird? Mammal? Reptile? The answer to that question was
beyond belief! He and Echidna are the only egg-laying mammals (Monotremes) to have survived from
prehistoric times. Today, this playful, aquatic Mammal is a symbol of Australia.
A fossil tooth of a platypus was found in southern Argentina, dating from 61 million years ago.
According to paleontologists, Platypuses have been living in Australia for 25 millions years. However,
the answers to their survival in modern times remain to be discovered. While people ponder these ancient
mysteries, Duck-billed Platypuses continue on as They always have for millions of years, hopeful that
They will thrive.
An avid swimmer, Duck-billed Platypus sweeps the gravelly bottom of a slow moving river with his
sensitive muzzle looking for Worms. Covered by thousands of sense organs that detect electricity, his
rubbery bill acts as an extra pair of eyes. When Duck-billed Platypus dives, He closes his eyes, ears, and
nostrils. As He swims along, Duck-billed Platypus fills his cheek pouches with food. When his pouches
are full, He surfaces to eat. Since He has no teeth, Duck-bill Platypus grinds his food with gravel.

After mating, Mother Duck-billed Platypus digs her nest at the rivers edge, just above the waters
surface. With her thick nails, She makes her nesting burrow. Mother Duck-billed Platypus lines her
burrow with leaves and grass. There She lays two eggs (the size of marbles) and snugly holds Them
between her tail and belly. While She incubates her Eggs, Mother Duck-billed Platypus does not leave
her nest. In about two weeks, the eggs hatch, and her Puggles (babies) make their way through their
mothers fur to nurse.
Once thought to be a hoax, Duck-billed Platypus proves that improbable things can be true. An effective
hunter, He uses his extraordinary rubbery beak to find Worms and Snails at the rivers bottom. With his
flexible body, Duck-billed Platypus squeezes through narrow spaces to get to Snails. He demonstrates
that even an active imagination can pale when compared to reality.
Platypuss Teachings Also Include:
We now know its real
Though I cant help but feel
That from trail tip to muzzle,
It is still a puzzle.
Copyright: R. Suahan, The Incomplete Book of Australian Mammals.
The platypus continues to lead its quiet life in the rivers of eastern Australia. Rippling its way in a
thousand streams on far mountain slopes, in creeks and reservoirs, near towns and cities, it remains
private and illusive. A new century for the platypus has arrived. Wonder remains, and delight. Swimming
and diving quietly across time, the platypus smiles. Copyright: Ann Proyal, Platypus

Platypuss Wisdom Includes:

Seeing the World with Delight and Wonder
Possessing Inner Sight
Balancing Energy
Moving Through the World of Mystery and Dreams
Move To Your Own Personal Rhythms
Devoted Mother
At Home in the Sea of Emotions
Sensing Beyond the Known World
Read adult and children's books about Australian mammals

Sleeping with
Your Baby
James J.
Mc Kenna
New $11.08

Plato and a
Platypus Walk
into a Bar...
Thomas Cathcart,
D...

One Minute
Mysteries
Eric Yoder,
Natali...
New $9.04

Robin
R.M. ArceJaeger
New

Plato and a
Platypus Walk
into a Bar...
Thomas Cathcart,
D...
New $11.48

Sew Kawaii!
Choly Knight
New $14.15

Privac y Information

Science note: Male Duck-billed Platypus has a poisonous spur on the inner side of his hind legs to inflict
wounds on his enemies. Shrews are the only other Mammals that can poison their enemies.
Conservation Note: Protected in Australia, and is restricted to that country.
Go to Echidna, the other egg laying mammal
Echidna: Living With Internal Contradictions
Individual Warm-Blooded Ones
Main Animal Page

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Animal Teachers