Which ideas from the paragraph below it is important to include in a summary

Question

The platypus is an Australian mammal that does not fall neatly into a classification. It is one of only two mammals (the other being the echidna ) that bear young by laying eggs. In some respects , the platypus resembles a duck: both have webbed feet and bills. The platypus has a tail like a beaver's and a furry body similar to an otter's. Its unusual hybrid of body parts makes it well-suited for its largely aquatic life. The platypus uses its webbed feet to paddle through waterand its tail serves as a kind of rudder for steering. While underwater , the platypus uses its bill to scoop up bits of food, such as insects and shellfish, from the water's bottom The platypus also scoops up bits of gravel, which grind up the food , as the platypus is toothless. The platypus stores the food and gravel in its cheeks until it reaches the water's surface . Once the platypus surfaces , it consumnes its meal

Answer 1

Key ideas for a summary of the paragraph include:

1. The platypus is an Australian mammal that lays eggs, making it one of only two egg-laying mammals (the other being the echidna).
2. It has a unique combination of physical features resembling different animals: webbed feet and a bill like a duck, a tail like a beaver's, and a furry body similar to an otter's.
3. These adaptations make the platypus well-suited for an aquatic lifestyle.
4. The platypus uses its webbed feet for swimming and its tail for steering.
5. It forages for food underwater, using its bill to scoop up insects and shellfish, as well as gravel to aid in grinding its food, since it has no teeth.
6. The platypus stores its food and gravel in its cheeks until it surfaces to eat.