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platypus
Platypus
The Platypus is probably most famous for the fact that it was initially thought to be a hoax. It was thought to be a fake because it combined the fur of a mammal, but the bill and webbed feet of a duck. The size of the animal varies, but is always a lot smaller than people first think.

 

Those from Tasmania may weigh almost as twice as much as those found in North Queensland. The Platypus is basically a solitary animal. However, some may be seen in the same stretch of river where boundaries overlap, especially of the more tolerant females. They generally live in a burrow dug into the bank, often amongst tree roots, with a very tiny entrance just above the water line. The platypus spends much of it’s time foraging underwater for its food. It holds it’s breath for a minute or so at a time as it gathers aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, and the occasional smaller frog or fish. Their eyes are actually closed as they nuzzle around in the bottom sediments with a bill that is sensitive to electromagnetic impulses sent out by prey. When they have enough food in their cheek pouches, they then rise to the surface.
 
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