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.

Includes index.

Amazing Australian animals -- Platypus territory -- Welcome to the continent Down Under! -- Take a closer look -- Deadly weapon -- Made to move -- Home sweet burrow -- A day in the life -- Mealtime -- Baby platypuses -- Survivors -- Crikey! I'll bet you never knew -- Important words -- Web sites.