Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

Latest Episodes:

How Does God Clothe Wildflowers? With Ruth Chou Simons - Lesson 97 Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

What does it mean that God clothes the wildflowers? Discover the fuzzy sweaters, waxy coats, purposeful colors, and variety of perfumes God clothed wildflowers in so they can fulfill his plans and purposes. Joining us today is Ruth Chou Simons as we learn how wildflowers remind us to not be afraid, but trust God for all we need.

Here’s our trail map:

Why Did God Make Wildflowers?
How Does God Clothe Wildflowers?
How Does God Paint Wildflowers?
What Is a Wildflower’s Perfume?
How Do Wildflowers Remind Us to Not Be Afraid?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Order The Way of the Wildflower: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Wildflower-Meditations-Unburden-Anxious/dp/1400244412
Ruth Chou Simons Website: https://ruthchousimons.com/
Save 15% on your entire Generations Ministries order* using the code: nattheo at: https://generations.org/
Generations God Made… Science Bundle: https://store.generations.org/products/god-made-science-bundle
Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Wildflower Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/wildflower-pollination/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.” Philippians 4:8 (NCV)

“Then God said, ‘Let the earth produce plants—some to make grain for seeds and others to make fruits with seeds in them. Every seed will produce more of its own kind of plant.’ And it happened.” Genesis 1:11 (NCV)

“Consider how the lilies grow; they don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.” Luke 12:27 (NCV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Pollinator: A creature that helps spread pollen, which helps plants grow.
Trichomes: Small hairs or outgrowths on a plant that help protect it.
Cuticle: A waxy protective layer on the outermost layer of plant leaves that protects from water loss or UV rays.
Bee Purple: A combination of yellow and ultraviolet light that is invisible to us humans but bees can see.
Nectar Guides: Easy-to-see designs such as stripes or spots used to guide pollinators to the flower’s nectar inside.
Osmophores: Especially cells on flower petals that give off chemical scents (called Volatile Organic Compounds) to draw pollinators.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Why Do Beavers Have Orange Teeth? Lesson 96 Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

Why do beavers work so hard building dams and lodges? Discover how God designed beavers just right for the tasks at hand, and what these natural engineers can teach us about our work.

Here’s our trail map:

What Makes a Beaver’s Fur, Tail, and Teeth Special?
Why and How Do Beavers Build Dams?
Why Is a Beaver’s Work Important?
How Does God Help Us Do Good Work?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Save 25% on The Origin Series by The Science Dilemma: https://sciencedilemma.samcart.com/referral/JOMTEcvo/o7DCTN842btBrX9h
Listen to The Science Dilemma Podcast: https://www.thesciencedilemma.com/podcast
Explore Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/
Marine Biology Trips by Evidence 4 Faith: https://evidence4faith.org/marine-biology/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Beaver Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/beaver-dams-for-kids/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

“In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people.” Colossians 3:23 (NCV)

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;

establish the work of our hands for us—

yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Rodent: A category of mammals that have special teeth designed for gnawing. Their front incisor teeth keep growing and they must chew on things to keep them short and usable.
Semi-aquatic: An animal that lives partly on land and partly in water.
“Beaver Wool”: A beaver’s underfur. The soft, fluffy layer of fur close to its skin.
Guard Hairs: Long, stiff hairs on the outside of a beaver’s fur that act like a raincoat. They are an extra layer of protection over the underfur.
Beaver Dam: A wall that beavers build across a stream or river using sticks, mud, rocks, and plants.
Beaver Lodge: A house made of sticks and mud, partly above water and partly submerged, where beavers live with their family.
Beaver Canal: A waterway, like a little stream, created by a beaver to connect it to other ponds and their favorite food sources.
Keystone Species: A plant or creature that is very important for keeping other plants or creatures in its ecosystem alive.
Establish: To set up something that will be strong, steady, and lasting.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Does God Make Thunderstorms? Lesson 95 Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

Thunderstorms can be both frightening and beautiful. Today we explore God’s designs in the atmosphere and weather systems, and discover God’s power and protection in storms.

Here’s our trail map:

What Is the Atmosphere?
What Makes a Thunderstorm?
How Does Lightning Work?
Does God Control Storms?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Save 15% on your entire Generations Ministries order* using the code: nattheo at: https://generations.org/
Generations God Made… Science Bundle: https://store.generations.org/products/god-made-science-bundle
Save 25% on The Origin Series by The Science Dilemma: https://sciencedilemma.samcart.com/referral/JOMTEcvo/o7DCTN842btBrX9h
Listen to The Science Dilemma Podcast: https://www.thesciencedilemma.com/podcast
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Thunderstorm Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/gods-power-over-storms
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask
Answers in Genesis Quote: https://answersingenesis.org/geology/catastrophism/a-dark-and-stormy-world

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Then God said, ‘Let there be something to divide the water in two.’ So God made the air and placed some of the water above the air and some below it. God named the air ‘sky.’ Evening passed, and morning came. This was the second day.” Genesis 1:6-8 (NCV)

“He fills his hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark.” Job 36:32 (NCV)

“That evening, Jesus said to his followers, ‘Let’s go across the lake.’ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him in the boat just as he was. There were also other boats with them. A very strong wind came up on the lake. The waves came over the sides and into the boat so that it was already full of water. Jesus was at the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a cushion. His followers woke him and said, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we are drowning!’

Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind stopped, and it became completely calm.

Jesus said to his followers, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’

The followers were very afraid and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’” Mark 4:35-41 (NCV)

“Lord, you are my God.

I honor you and praise you,

because you have done amazing things.

You have always done what you said you would do;

you have done what you planned long ago…

You are like a shelter from storms…” Isaiah 25:1,4b (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Atmosphere: A protective layer of gasses that is held in place by gravity, including the air we breathe.
Gravity: An invisible force that pulls objects toward each other. Earth’s gravity pulls everything toward the center of earth.
Troposphere: The lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere, where we live, breathe, and where almost all weather happens.
Water Vapor: Water that has turned into a gas you can’t see.
Water Cycle: The way water moves around the Earth—going from the ground to the sky and back again.
Lightning’s Electrical Charge: The invisible “energy” that builds up in storm clouds and makes lightning.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

*nattheo code at Generations.org is valid through December 31, 2025.

Is a Giant Panda Really a Bear? Lesson 94 Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Is a Giant Panda actually a bear? Discover the amazing ways God designed the Giant Panda to live, thrive, and munch on an amazing amount of bamboo each day!

Here’s our trail map:

Is a Panda Really a Bear?
Do Pandas Only Eat Bamboo?
Why Are Panda Babies So Tiny and Pink?
How Can We Practice Depending on God?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
Save 25% on The Origin Series by The Science Dilemma: https://sciencedilemma.samcart.com/referral/JOMTEcvo/o7DCTN842btBrX9h
Listen to The Science Dilemma Podcast: https://www.thesciencedilemma.com/podcast
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Panda Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/are-pandas-really-bears/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“How many are your works, Lord!

In wisdom you made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24 (NIV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

“So don’t worry, because I am with you.

Don’t be afraid, because I am your God.

I will make you strong and will help you;

I will support you with my right hand that saves you.” Isaiah 41:10 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Ursidae: The bear family including the giant panda, sun bear, sloth bear, spectacled bear, American black bear, Asiatic black bear, brown bear (including grizzly and Kodiak), cave bear, and the polar bear.
Sesamoid: A long piece of wrist bone that creates a false thumb, like a sixth finger, in a panda’s paw that they use for grasping and holding.
DNA: The code inside the tiny cells that build all living things in nature.
Bamboo: A type of very tall, fast-growing grass that grows in forests, mostly in Asia.
Cellulose: A strong material that makes up the cell walls of plants. It’s what gives plants their shape and helps them stand tall.
Altricial: When an animal baby cannot move or find food on its own, and is dependent on its mother for some time after birth.
Dependent:To need someone or something to help you, support you, or take care of you.
Precocial: Animals that are born or hatched ready to walk, run, and find food right away, and are not very dependent on parents after birth.

Some but not all resources used for research:

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Is a Snail Born With a Shell? Lesson 93 Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how snails have babies, if they're born with shells, or why snails are so slimy? Discover God’s amazing designs in these little creatures that are probably crawling around your yard right now!

Here’s our trail map:

What Is a Snail?
Is a Snail Born With a Shell?
Why Do Snails Make Slime?
How Does God Help Us Have a Shield of Protection?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Save 25% on the Origin of Life Series by The Science Dilemma. Use code NAT25: https://sciencedilemma.mysamcart.com/nat-theo/
Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
Marine Biology Trips by Evidence 4 Faith: https://evidence4faith.org/marine-biology/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Snail Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/are-snails-born-with-shells/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“So God made the wild animals, the tame animals, and all the small crawling animals to produce more of their own kind. God saw that this was good.” Genesis 1:25 (NCV)

“So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.” Genesis 1:27 (NCV)

“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” Psalm 3:3 (NLT)

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

“Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NCV)

“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless…” Psalm 101:3 (ESV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Invertebrate: A group of animals that don’t have a backbone.
Mantle: A special organ God designed many creatures with that is sometimes used to create a shell.
Calcium Carbonate: A mineral or material from nature found in things like animal shells, egg shells, chalk, and limestone.
Hermaphrodite: A creature with both female and male parts in its body.
Snail Foot: The big, flat, soft part on the bottom of its body that it uses to move around on.
Suprapedal Gland: A gland at the front of a snail’s foot that creates mucus.
Snail Mucus: A thick, slippery fluid made mostly of water, proteins, and special sugars.
Epiphragm: A protective shield a snail creates to keep itself safe. It uses its mucus and, in some species, calcium carbonate, to form a solid barrier at its shell’s opening.
Pneumostome: A small opening on the side of a snail’s body that lets air in, over the lungs, and out.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

How Are Alligators and Crocodiles Different? Lesson 92 Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

What makes alligators and crocodiles different—and what can their powerful jaws teach us about our words? Join us as we explore God’s design in these amazing creatures and uncover a surprising connection between reptiles, the food chain, and the Bible.

Here’s our trail map:

How Are Alligators and Crocodiles Different?
How Do Alligators and Crocodiles Swallow Their Prey?
How Do Alligators and Crocodiles Care for Their Babies?
How Do Our Mouths Bring Death or Life?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Explore Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/
Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Alligator Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/alligators-vs-crocodiles/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

“When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.” Ephesians 4:29 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Reptiles: A group of cold-blooded animals that have backbones, dry, scaly skin, and usually lay soft-shelled eggs on land.
Cold-blooded: A cold-blooded animal relies on its environment, or the conditions around it, to stay cool or warm. They cannot keep their own bodies warm like humans and warm-blooded animals can.
Crocodilia: An order (smaller category) of reptiles including alligators and crocodiles, caiman, and gharial.
Apex Predator: Animals at the top of the food chain. No other animals hunt or eat them. They are the biggest and strongest hunters in their environment.
Palatel Valve: A special flap at the back of an alligator or crocodile’s throat that seals off their airway when eating, so water does not go into their lungs or respiratory system.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Why Do Pika Pick Flowers? Lesson 91 Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Meet one of the cutest creatures God made—the pika! This tiny mountain mammal lives high up in the tundra and teaches us big lessons about preparing for hard seasons so we can live and thrive in God’s plans and purposes.

Here’s our trail map:

What Is a Pika?
What Is Life Like on the Tundra?
Why Do Pika Pick Flowers?
How Can We Store Up What We Need for Hard Times?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
Explore Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Pika Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/american-pika/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

“Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and instruct each other by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (NCV)

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong…” Hebrews 6:19a (NCV)

“But I have hope

when I think of this:

The Lord’s love never ends;

his mercies never stop.

They are new every morning;

Lord, your loyalty is great.” Lamentations 3:21-23 (NCV)

“And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.” Romans 5:5 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Lagomorphs: A group of animals that includes rabbits, hares, and pikas. They look like rodents but have four front teeth instead of two.
Tundra: A cold, treeless place where the ground stays frozen most of the year. Only small plants grow, and certain animals God designed to live in such a harsh ecosystem.
Talus: A slope of broken rocks at the base of a cliff or mountain that provides shelter for animals.
Haying: When an animal gathers and dries plants to store and eat later.

One of the resources used for numbers in this episode: https://californiasciencecenter.org/funlab/ever-wonder/2023-09-13/how-pikas-can-survive-extreme-conditions-with-johanna-varner

A resource used for information on the pika cuteness factor: “The Pika Book That Will be Good for My Mom’s Podcast” By Will Lynum.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Sharks, Octopuses, Owls & Magnetic Cells! Answering Listeners' Curious Questions Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

What do shark fins, magnet-powered cells, animal bruises, fur, octopus moms, and owl necks all have in common? They’re questions curious kids like you asked—and we’re answering them in this special episode.

These questions came from young listeners just like you. Each one leads us to discover more about the amazing ways God designed nature.

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Save 10% with code NATURE at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“...Stop and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37:14 (ESV)

This podcast includes paid advertisements.

How Is a Sea Otter Like a Pool Noodle? Lesson 90 Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

It seems impossible to watch an otter and not smile. God designed river and sea otters in amazing and playful ways. Join biologist Jill Smith and Eryn Lynum as we discover what makes otters so amazing!

Here’s our trail map:

What is the difference between a sea otter and a river otter?
How is a sea otter like a pool noodle?
How do otters help protect God's creation?
Why do otters make great parents?
How can we stay safe through a healthy community?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Jill Smith’s Website, Nature Education Cards, and Book, Nature Unveiled: https://jillsmith.my.canva.site/life-long-learner
Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
Save 10% with code NATURE at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Otter Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/river-otter-vs-sea-otter/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 (NCV)

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Mustelidae: The animal family that includes otters, weasels, ferrets, badgers, and wolverines.
Semi-aquatic: An animal that lives partly on land and partly in water.
Holdfast: The root-like part of kelp that anchors it to rocks on the ocean floor, keeping it from floating away.
Sea Otter Raft: A group of sea otters floating together on the water’s surface, often holding paws to stay connected.
Community: A group of people (or animals) who live, work, or spend time together and help each other.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Why Does a Platypus Lay Eggs? Lesson 89 Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Platypuses have been called the strangest animal on earth, but is it true? Discover this amazing creature with its duck-like bill, beaver-like tail, otter-like webbed feet, reptile-like claws, snake-like venom, and that lays eggs like a turtle!

Here’s our trail map:

Why Does a Platypus Lay Eggs?
How Is a Platypus Venomous?
Why Do Platypus Have a Bill?
What Does Scripture Say About Being Different?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
Save 10% with code NATURE at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Platypus Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-does-a-platypus-lay-eggs/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask
A great book for learning about God’s designs in creature: God Made Animals by Generations Ministries

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“How many are your works, Lord!

In wisdom you made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24 (NIV)

“I have given them your teaching. And the world has hated them, because they don’t belong to the world, just as I don’t belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world but to keep them safe from the Evil One. They don’t belong to the world, just as I don’t belong to the world.” John 17:14-16 (NCV)

“Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God.” Romans 15:7 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Mammal: A group of animals that have hair or fur, are warm-blooded, have a backbone, (most) have live births, and feed their babies with milk from their bodies.
Monotremes: A small group (order) of mammals that lay eggs instead of having live births. Monotremes include the duck-billed platypus and four types of echidnas.
Platypus Spur: A spike on the insides of a male platypus’s ankles that injects venom into an opponent.
Crural Gland: A pocket inside the male platypus’s thigh that, during mating season, produces venom that the male platypus injects through the spur on its ankle when battling other male platypuses.
Carnivore: A creature that only eats meat from other creatures, not plants.
Mechanoreceptors: Tiny sensors on a platypus’s bill that help it feel movement and pressure changes under the water.
Electroreceptors: Tiny sensors on a platypus’s bill that help it feel electrical charges from nearby creatures.

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