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Opossum (Didelphis
virginiana)
The opossum is a
marsupial with an abdominal pouch in which its immaturely born young
develop. The babies must spend about two months in the mother's pouch
attached to the nipples before they are able to move about. |
| The opossum
ranges in length from 17 to 104 cm (7 to 41 in), including the tail, which
is from 9 to 54 cm (4 to 21 in) long. The common Virginia opossum is the
largest of the opossums, measuring 109 cm (43 in), of which one-half is
tail. The innermost toe on its hind feet is on the hind feet is opposable,
like a thumb. This aids the animal in climbing.. The Virginia opossum is
covered with long, sleek, white hair and an undercoating of soft, woolly
fur. It has a pointed, slender face and large, broad, naked ears. Most
species are omnivorous (eats both plants and animals), usually preferring a
diet of insects and carrion. They are nocturnal, sleeping in a burrow during
the day and hunting food at night. The Virginia opossum's habit of feigning
death when threatened has given rise to the expression “playing possum.” |
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