The cache is NOT AT THE POSTED COORDINATES, but if you go here
you may find a platypus nearby if you are lucky.
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a small, solitary mammal. It has a flattened body and head which helps it swiftly swim through the water, and its thick fur is dark brown on the top, and tan on its underside. This helps them stay warm and dry while swimming. They are characterized by their long snouts, which look like duck bills, but are actually quite soft, covered with thousands of receptors that help them detect prey. Male platypuses have sharp stingers on their rear feet, to deliver a toxic blow to any foe if necessary. They mostly feed on insects and larvae, shellfish, and worms, and use bits of gravel found in the water to help mash their food as they do not have teeth. Platypuses are long lived, with lifespans of up to 12 years in the wild. Research shows that they were around before the extinction of dinosaurs.
The Puzzle: Answer these questions to calculate GZ.
Platypuses are one of five mammals in existence that lay eggs, which makes them a ........ A
Some animals have the ability to perceive electrical stimuli to detect objects and communicate. This occurs for bees, echindna and cockroaches, but is thought to be more effective in amphibious animals as water is a better conductor than air. Platypus use this ability to detect prey and locate objects in the darkest depths before bringing the prey to the surface to eat. This ability is called …………. B
Platypus are considered to be overdressers with 2 layers of fur. The 2 layers are for ……….. C and ……….. D
When put under a UV light, these brown creatures glow blue-green. A platypus is …………. E
A baby platypus is called a ……..…… F
In 1798 when British scientists were told of the discovery of the platypus with webbed feet, a duck bill, an otter body and a beaver tail, they thought it was a …....…. G
In the mating season, the spur behind the males hind leg is ……...….. H
Spending up to 12 hours a day underwater, the 2 layers of fur also help with …..……… J
Platypus numbers have been impacted by bush fires, droughts and land clearing. In order to protect the species it is important to work towards ………………. K and ……………… L of their habitat.
The cache can be found at:
GZ S36° 21.(A+D)(C+L)(E+G) E144° 42.(H-F-A)(J+K)(Bx3)
A micro with a log book only.