According to our copy of the Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary (Fourth Edition), the word “platypus” is derived from two Greek words meaning “flat broad foot”. Given that the plural of the Greek “pous” is “podes”, we conclude that – strictly speaking – the plural of “platypus” should be “platypodes”.
What is a group of platypus is called?
A PADDLE of Platypus
The cutest collective noun since a ‘Cuddle’ of puppies or a ‘Waddle’ of penguins.
Are Platypodes correct?
The noun platypus has a Greek root. The Greek plural for platypus is platypodes, but this plural is not used in English.
Why is platypus not plural for platypi?
Etymology. The -i plural comes from the belief that platypus is a Latin second declension noun, which it is not. In fact, it belongs to the Greek third declension. The usual plural is platypuses; platypodes is the Greek plural, which is also correct.
What is a single platypus called?
Scientists generally use “platypuses” or simply “platypus”. Colloquially, the term “platypi” is also used for the plural, although this is a form of pseudo-Latin; going by the word’s Greek roots the plural would be “platypodes”.
What is a group of jellyfish?
A smack of jellyfish
Other collective nouns for a group of jellyfish are bloom or swarm. But, we think smack is most descriptive.
What is a group of sloths called?
A Snuggle of Sloths
As you can see, a “snuggle” of sloths was the resounding winner, which now makes this the most popular term for a group of sloths!
Do you say platypuses or platypi?
The plural of platypus has been long-established in the English speaking world as platypuses. The plural form platypi is accepted by Latinists, scientists and fans of quirky words.
Can you own a platypus as a pet?
Keeping a platypus as a pet is almost entirely out of the question. It’s threatened in the wild and it’s probably not even legal. Its care and diet are not easy to replicate for the hobbyist. As if you need any other reason, there’s one that might hit closer to home.
Can you buy a baby platypus?
Can you have a platypus as a pet? The short answer is no. Platypuses are wild animals that live in Australia and they need the right environment to thrive. It is not only illegal to keep them as pets in Australia but also to export them as pets to other countries.
What is plural for octopus?
Octopuses ✅
“Octopuses” gives the word an English ending to match its adoption as an English word. Generally, when a noun enters into English, it is pluralized as an English word rather than in its original form. Octopuses may sound peculiar to some, but this is the preferred plural.
What is Moose plural?
Despite what a certain honking bird whose singular form rhymes with that of “moose” might suggest, the plural of “moose” is not “meese.” It’s just “moose.” One moose, three moose, a herd of moose.
What’s the plural of hippopotamus?
hippopotamus. noun. hip·po·pot·a·mus | ˌhi-pə-ˈpä-tə-məs plural hippopotamuses or hippopotami -ˌmī
Are platypus eggs edible?
Exclusive to Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania, the platypus and the echidna are the only two mammals known to lay eggs! These are two types of eggs which are definitely not suitable for eating. A platypus egg is pretty small. At not even a ½ inch in diameter, you’d need a whole bunch!
Do platypus have teeth?
It has no teeth, so the platypus stores its “catch” in its cheek pouches, returns to the surface, mashes up its meal with the help of gravel bits hoovered up enroute, then swallows it all down. The female platypus lays her eggs in an underground burrow that she digs near the water’s edge.
How long can platypus hold their breath?
Platypus can stay underwater for up to 10 minutes. When swimming, the platypus moves itself with its front feet and uses its back feet for steering and as brakes. Water doesn’t get into the platypus’s thick fur, and it swims with its eyes, ears and nostrils shut.
What’s a group of frogs called?
An army or colony of frogs.
What is a group of crocodiles called?
bask
A bask of crocodiles
Crocodiles are cold-blooded creatures, meaning they can’t regulate their own body temperature and rely on the surrounding temperature to do it for them.
What is group of hyenas?
Hyenas have two collective nouns. They are normally called a ‘clan’ but the alternative term, a ‘cackle’ perfectly captures the sound and spirit of these animals.
What is a group of sharks?
A Shiver of Sharks
One of our favourite collective nouns on the list is the name for a group of sharks – a ‘shiver’.
What is a group of raccoons called?
A group of raccoons is called a nursery. Although raccoons only live 2-3 years in the wild, a raccoon can live up to 20 years in captivity.
