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The platypus's unusual broad bill (snout) is specially equipped to enable it to find food underwater. A platypus may make hundreds of dives in a creek or river in a single day. The bill of a platypus has sensitive electroreceptors which pick up tiny nerve and electrical impulses generated by crustaceans and other animals that inhabit the bottom of the creek or river, or those swimming in the murky depths. A platypus closes its eyes underwater, as it does not need to see at all. Its bill tells it everything it need to know about where its prey is located. The platypus then uses its bill to shovel away the dirt, and find the food.
What else can I help you with?
Does a platypus find food in both water and on land?
No. The platypus is adapted for finding food in the water, not on land. The sensitive electroreceptors in its bill work underwater, not in the air.
What does a platypus do on a daily basis?
On a daily basis, a platypus swims and hunts for food in the water.
What is an unusual monotreme?
Both types of monotremes - the platypus and the echidna - are unusual, but perhaps the platypus is considered the most unusual of all. The platypus has a bill equipped with electroreceptors which it uses to find its food. It must live on land but find its food in the water. It has retractable webbing on its feet so that it can still use its sharp claws to dig.
Can a platypus live outside of the water?
Platypuses do not live in water, but they need water in which to find their food. They can live indefinitely out of the water, but would die within weeks if they could not feed.
Does a mother platypus teach her young how to swim or find food?
It is instinctive for a young platypus to be able to swim when it gets old enough. However, the mother certainly teaches it how to find food.
Does a platypus have moist fur?
Yes and no. When a platypus performs its hundreds of dives daily in order to find food, naturally its fur will become wet. However, only the outer surface is actually moist. The dense fur of a platypus is waterproof. Its very density repels the water so the animal does not become saturated, and enhances the platypus's ability to swim discreetly through the water, seeking food whilst barely noticeable.
Where in the world do the platypus migrate?
Platypus do not migrate. They are solitary animals which stay in one area, as long as food and water is plentiful.
Can a platypus live forever outside of water?
No, a platypus cannot live forever outside of water. They require water to regulate their body temperature, search for food, and avoid predators. Platypuses are semi-aquatic animals that spend a significant amount of time in water.
What part of its body does a platypus use to find food?
The main part of the platypus's body which it uses to find food is its unique bill. The bill of a platypus has sensitive electroreceptors which pick up tiny nerve and electrical impulses generated by crustaceans and other animals that inhabit the bottom of the creek or river. The platypus then uses its bill to shovel away the dirt, and find the food. Of course, without the platypus's strong tail, which acts as a rudder, or its webbed feet, it would not be able to swim and dive in order to catch its food.
Is platypus insect?
It is not an insect. Platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal (it finds its food in water but it lives on land) found in Eastern Australia.Specifically, the platypus is a monotreme, which is an egg-laying mammal.
Are platypuses carnivores or omnivores?
A meat-eater, platypus eat small water animals such as insect larvae, freshwater shrimps, and crayfish. The platypus, usually active at dawn and dusk, relies on its sensitive bill to find food. With eyes and ears closed, receptors in the bill can detect electrical currents in the water and can help to find prey. Platypus can stay underwater for up to 10 minutes. When swimming, the platypus moves itself with its front feet and uses its back feet for steering and as brakes. Water doesn't get into the platypus's thick fur, and it swims with its eyes, ears and nostrils shut. The platypus has no teeth, and stores its food in cheek pouches to eat on the surface. It chews its food between horny grinding plates and ridges on its upper and lower jaws before swallowing.
Why are the birds are attracted to water?
Mostly because of the food they can find in the water, under the water or at the water's edges
