The platypus is a truly unique and interesting mammal. It is just one of five species on Earth in the order Monotremata. The order Monotremata is the egg-laying order. The platypus is the only egg-laying mammal known to date ("The Amazing Platypus"). The average number of eggs laid by the female platypus is only two at a time. The female lays her eggs in a hole specially prepared for spawning. The male platypus becomes more active during the breeding period compared to its daily lifestyle ("Egg-laying mammals"). After the female has laid her eggs, they are incubated for approximately ten to fourteen days. After the egg hatches, baby platypuses will stay with their mother until they are old enough to care for themselves. They will usually remain with the mother until the babies reach seventeen weeks of age. While the mother has to do everything, the father platypus does not help raise the young because he has his own territory. If it gets too crowded for him, the chicks will leave and be alone ("Platypus-Ornithorhynchus anatinus"). The platypus has a very unique appearance. It looks like a cross between a duck and a beaver. The beak would refer to the beak of a duck, and the tail is similar to the beaver. ("Apologetics press - The flat-footed, beaver-tailed, duck-billed platypus"). The physical characteristics of the platypus are quite interesting. It is the size of a normal cat and is covered in three layers of very thick brown fur. That's a lot of fur! The platypus also has webbed feet which make it easier for him to swim. Its nostrils are above the beak which allows it to breathe...... in the center of the paper...... pictures, facts about the platypus - National Geographic." National GeographicFebruary 2014. Saleem, Maria. "List of egg-laying mammals and facts with pictures." liveanimalslist.com 2013. January 27, 2014. mammals.php>. Smith, Pennsylvania. "Platypus Facts | duck-billed platypus | monotremes. February 2014. "Where to look for the platypus." 04 February 2014..