platypus

The kidnapping of a young female black duck by Goomai the water rat gives rise to the platypus tribe.

Because Australia is an island that broke away from a larger land mass about 200 million years ago, animals on the secluded continent developed separately, and platypuses are a prime example. Readers learn that a platypus can stay underwater for one or two minutes at a time, has two coats of fur to help it keep warm, and lives on land in a burrow. Full-color photos include an image of two baby platypuses.

Presents a study of the platypus and discusses its habitat, what it looks like, how they hunt and build shelters, how they care for their young, and more.

Provides descriptions of the physical characteristics, behaviors, and eating habits of platypuses, and includes photographs and facts on the classification and world distribution of the semi-aquatic mammals.