What is a "platypus"?

The platypus is a unique and iconic mammal native to Australia. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a duck-bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like body covered in dense fur. The platypus is a monotreme, which means it lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young, making it one of only a few mammals that lay eggs. It has adapted to its semi-aquatic lifestyle, with waterproof fur, webbed feet for swimming, and a sensitive bill that can detect electric fields generated by prey in the water. The platypus feeds primarily on small aquatic animals, such as insects, worms, and crustaceans, which it catches using its bill. It is a solitary and elusive creature that is mainly active during the night, and it inhabits freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes in eastern Australia. The platypus is considered a unique and fascinating species due to its combination of mammalian, avian, and reptilian characteristics, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Australians as a symbol of their country's wildlife diversity.