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 water, and 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 consumes its meal.
Which idea from the paragraph is important to include in a summary?
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Responses
The platypus is a fascinating animal.
The platypus is a fascinating animal.
The platypus collects food such as insects and shellfish.
The platypus collects food such as insects and shellfish.
The platypus paddles through water.
The platypus paddles through water.
The platypus is a rare type of mammal that bears its young by laying eggs.
The platypus is a rare type of mammal that bears its young by laying eggs.
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1 answer
The idea that is important to include in a summary is:
The platypus is a rare type of mammal that bears its young by laying eggs.
This sentence captures a key aspect of the platypus's classification and uniqueness among mammals, which sets the foundation for understanding its characteristics and behavior described in the paragraph.
