Task 4 Read the text and match the phrases (A-F) to the gaps (1-5). There is one extra phrase. PLATIPUS
The platypus is a strange little creature found only in Australia. When the first platypus was sent to Europe in the 19th century, the scientists who examined it just could not believe their eyes. They believed the platypus was a joke, 1. They thought some fun-loving Australian had put the feet and nose of a duck onto the body of a rat, 2!
But platypuses are real, 3. Platypuses have a nose like a duck, webbed feet like a duck, soft brown fur on their body and a long, flat tail like a beaver. As if that weren’t strange enough, even though they are mammals (which means they feed their babies milk), platypuses don’t give birth to live babies 4! No wonder scientists couldn’t decide for a long time if platypuses were birds, reptiles or mammals.
But the platypus has even more wonderful characteristics. Platypuses find their food in rivers by using electric fields. And, if they are in danger, male platypuses have shark hooks on their feet 5. It’s no surprise then, that this special, shy little animal is one of Australia’s famous creatures. A picture of the platypus appears on the Australian 20 cent coin. Australians are very proud of their unique platypus.
A but instead lay eggs just like birds
B because of its extremely strange appearance
C that produce poison strong enough to kill a dog
D just to play a trick on them
E and there is no other creature like them on Earth
F which makes them part- reptile, part-mammal, part-bird