Why Can a Platypus Find Food with Its Eyes Closed?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why can a platypus find food with its eyes closed?

The Big Idea

A platypus can find food with its eyes closed because its bill senses tiny electric signals! When it dives, it closes its eyes, ears, and nostrils. Its bill still works and helps it find prey.

Close Up

Step one: dive in. A platypus closes its eyes, ears, and nostrils when it dives. So it cannot see, hear, or smell the water.

Electric Sensors

Step two: sense the signal. The bill has thousands of sensors that pick up the tiny electric signals from the muscles of shrimp and other prey. It also has touch sensors.

Sweep the Bill

Step three: sweep and find. The platypus swings its bill from side to side, like a metal detector. It hunts by moving its head, not by looking.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Underwater, the platypus keeps its eyes shut. The bill senses tiny electric signals. It feels touch signals too. Sweeping the bill finds the food.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A platypus is a mammal that lays eggs. It lives in streams and rivers in eastern Australia. Male platypuses have a venom spur on the back legs, so wild ones are best left alone. Watch platypuses at a wildlife park or on video.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Hide a marble in a bowl of dry beans. With your eyes closed, sweep a long spoon back and forth to find it by touch. Did you find it? How is that like a platypus feeling for food?

Outro

A platypus finds food by sensing electricity. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!