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Platypus B.L .L . |
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Platypus B.L .L . |
Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus and Species References Poem Fun facts
Kingdom: Animalia
Characteristics that place it here: Platypuses are multicellular heterotrophs that digest and ingest food in an internal cavity.
Phylum: Chordata
Characteristics that place it here: Platypuses have notochords, bilateral symmetry, segmented bodies, segmented muscles, complete digestive systems, endoskeletons made of bones and cartilage, and a tail projecting beyond the anus.
Class: Mammalia
Characteristics that put it here: Platypuses have three middle ear bones, hair and milk producing mammary glands.
Order: Monotremata
Characteristics that place it here: Platypuses have complex pectoral girdles, a cloaca, and they lay eggs.
Family: Ornithorhynchidae
Characteristics that place it here: Platypuses use receptors in their bills, they have webbed feet, it is highly aquatic, they have dense, wooly, water-repelling fur, and have furrows along the sides of their heads.
Genus and Species: Ornithorhynchus and Ornythorhynchus Anatinus
Characteristics that place it here: Platypuses have muzzle-shaped snouts, beaver-shaped tails, and webbed fore-and hindfeet.
References: The Animal Diversity Web. April 17, 2002 http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/ornithorhynchus/o._anatinus$narrative.html
Poem: A Picture of Words
The streamlined body glides in the distance
as water overwhelms the red-colored night.
It pokes up a little bill
and comes back to the shore to set aside its prey.
The creature of God floats back out
and rests on the water's surface.
It is life
at its finest.
Sometimes called platys.
Seem strange to people since they lay eggs and are mammals.
Dig fifty foot long tunnels.