There has long been interest in comparing the biology of placental and marsupial mammals, and how distinct traits relate to adaptations and convergent eco-morphological niches in different parts of the world. One trait of interest is the pattern of tooth replacement. “Unlike humans, or dogs or many other animals that have a baby set and […]
Tag: marsupial
Researchers Sequence Genome of Common Brushtail Possum
The common brushtail possum is a nocturnal arboreal marsupial of the family Phalangeridae. The species is native to Australia and invasive in New Zealand, and is the second-largest of the possums. It is mainly a folivore (leaf-eater), but has been known to eat small mammals such as rats. In most Australian habitats, eucalyptus leaves are […]
Marsupial Pouches are Even Cooler than We Knew!
Recent findings published in the scientific journal, Current Biology, show that marsupial pouches represent a biological strategy “more evolved” than currently suggested. Marsupials are mammals who evolved to have pouches to carry their young. Scientists long believed they represented an evolutionary step between egg-laying mammals (like the platypus) and mammals who carry their infants to […]
Marsupials might be the more evolved mammals
Mammal evolution has been flipped on its head, according to new research that suggests marsupials are the more evolved mammals. By estimating how the common ancestor of mammals reproduced and developed, scientists have turned over the longstanding belief that marsupials are more primitive than placentals. Marsupials have long been considered the intermediate step in evolution […]
Extremely rare albino echidna named Raffie is found roaming the streets – but you must not approach it
One of Australia’s most rarely seen marsupials has been spotted – but locals have been warned to stay away. Bathurst Regional Council, which sits in central west NSW, posted photos of a snow white albino echidna, which an employee had come across. ‘We thought he is just too beautiful not to share, and particularly rare […]
Rottweiler Saves Aussie Mum’s Life After Attack By “Crazed Kangaroo”
While kangaroos look cute from afar, they can actually be quite dangerous. This is due primarily to their ability to kick like a mule. In fact, the walloping kickboxing-style punch they can unleash is equal to a bone-crunching 759 pounds of force. Their claws are also razor-sharp when slashing at whatever is in their way. […]
Rare scaly-tailed possum caught in the Northern Territory for the first time
For the first time, a rare scaly-tailed possum has been caught in the Northern Territory, indicating that private land protection is having a good impact, according to scientists. The scaly-tailed possum, also known as the Wyulda, is a rock-dwelling marsupial with robust limbs and a “grippy” tail that it utilizes to reach for seeds, fruits, […]
Quendas: The cute little helper keeping our gardens and bushland healthy
Quenda are helping to keep Perth’s native urban bushland, and our native gardens, healthy according to new research from Edith Cowan University. Quenda are a native marsupial, and a member of the bandicoot family found in parks and bushland around the Perth metropolitan area. They dig over tons of soil each year and by producing […]