Platypus depth study
Stage 6 Biology - Module 3
Platypus disappeared from the Royal National Park in the 1970s. In May 2023, six female and four male platypuses were released back into the Royal National Park. Platypus is a sensitive species that requires specific biotic and abiotic factors in order to survive and reproduce. They are particularly vulnerable to human impacts, including pollution, predation by invasive species, habitat loss and defragmentation, litter entanglement and climate change.
On this fieldwork excursion, students collect biotic and abiotic data along the Hacking River in the Royal National Park. Students can use this data, along with secondary sources, to assess the suitability of habitat for the platypus and predict the success of the release program.
Excursion site
- Audley - Willow Tree Flat Picnic Area, Lady Carrington Drive
- identify and describe structural adaptations of platypus
- measure and record abiotic and biotic factors to assess habitat
- measure and record abiotic factors to assess water quality
- dipnet to survey macroinvertebrates and complete streamwatch quality assessment
- observe and describe some impacts of human activity on platypus
- collect litter and link to impact on platypus
Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
- designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information BIO11/12-2
- communicates scientific understanding using suitable language and terminology for a specific audience or purpose BIO11-7
- describes biological diversity by explaining the relationships between a range of organisms in terms of specialisation for selected habitats and evolution of species BIO11-10