Question

Organisms that live in deciduous forests have developed unique adaptations that aid in their survival. How are the bill and feet of the platypus specially adapted for survival in their environment?

a.
close the nostrils in its bill when diving underwater; pointed bill for spearing fish for food; detect vibrations of moving prey using the pads on their feet
b.
detect the electrical discharges of prey in water using small pits on its bill; crush the food with grinding pads on the top and bottom of its bill; webbed feet
c.
have wide nails for digging burrows; webbed feet; grind food with modified teeth on the upper part of their bill
d.
detect the electrical discharges of prey in the sand using small pits on its bill; pointed bill for spearing fish for food; ‘finger-like’ toes on their feet that help them hold onto and eat their food

Answer 1

Answer: b

Explanation: The platypus uses electroreceptors (small pits) in its bill to detect electrical discharges from prey underwater, and it crushes prey with keratinized grinding pads in the bill (adults lack true teeth). Its feet are webbed for efficient swimming (with retractable webbing to expose claws for digging on land).