However it is one of the most peculiar and primitive of mammals. Scientists feel it is the link between mammals and reptiles.

Like other mammals, the platypus is a warm-blooded creature. It also has hair covering its body.

The female platypus digs a hole on the river bank and layers it with dry leaves. She then lays two eggs which hatch after about two weeks. The babies then feed on their mothers milk, which is secreted from the mothers mammary glands. The platypus therefore lays eggs like the reptile but suckles her young like the mammal.

This strange animal also has a duck like bill and webbed feet. The platypus has the best of both worlds, for it enjoys life on the land as well as in the water. It feeds on small fish.