The Mysterious Platypus

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1. The platypus is a mammal, though it lacks a trait common to the vast majority of other mammals. Which mammalian trait does the platypus lack? It isn't warm-blooded. It doesn't produce milk for its young. It doesn't bear live young. It doesn't have a four-chambered heart.

2. Is the beak of a platypus hard, like a duck's beak? Yes No

3. What unusual defense does a male platypus have? Its fur is coated with foul-tasting oil. It has foul-smelling scent glands. It has poison spurs. It sheds its fur.

4. What odd thing does a platypus do with its tail? All of these. It uses it as a rudder when swimming. It uses it to store fat. It uses it to move soil when burrowing.

5. What common animal is closest to the platypus in size? A house cat. A mouse. A rat. A border collie.

6. What does a platypus do with its bill? Neither. Breathe. Both of these. Find food.

7. What does the name "platypus" mean? Duck face. Broad foot. Confusing critter. Bird mammal.

8. What is remarkable about the fur of a platypus? It is more dense than most other animals' fur. Both. It is hollow. Neither.

9. You encounter a two-year-old platypus. Where is he in his lifespan? He's still a baby. He's an elderly platypus. He's middle-aged. He's just reached sexual maturity.

10. Can a platypus make vocalizations? Yes No

11. Which of these traits does the platypus have in common with birds? The platypus has hollow bones. The platypus has two ovaries but only one functions. The platypus has a bird-like pelvis. All of these.

12. Which of the following abilities does the platypus have that helps it live its aquatic lifestyle? Neither. Its heart rate can vary significantly. Both. It can store a lot of oxygen in its blood.

13. Can a platypus withstand cold temperatures? Yes No

14. What is the typical social life of a platypus? A platypus lives in a small family group. A female platypus lives with other females; the males are loners. A platypus lives in a large colony. A platypus lives a solitary life.

15. Does a platypus have teeth? Yes. Only the adults. Only the babies. No.

16. What is a platypus diet? It's an omnivore. It's a scavenger. It's a herbivore. It's a carnivore.

17. Does a mother platypus have a pouch? Yes No

18. What kind of daily schedule does a platypus follow? It clocks in at nine and out at five. It's seen mostly at dawn and dusk, but individual routines vary. It wakes and sleeps frequently during both day and night. Its sleep schedule varies throughout the year.

19. Does the platypus breed well in captivity? Yes No

20. Where can you go to see a platypus? At most major zoos worldwide, or in the wild in Asia. In Australian zoos, or in the wild in Australia. In most major zoos worldwide, or in the wild in Central America. In a few select zoos, or in the Galapagos Islands.