Marsupials

Among the many categories that scientists use to classify animals, marsupials are among the most interesting and unique species of animals. Marsupials are  for giving birth to under developed young, and having the baby live in the pouch on the animal.

A Tasmanian devil

Different species of marsupials will live in every continent of the globe. However, the only form of marsupial that lives in North America is the opossum, which makes its home in every country north of Mexico in North America. Many types can be found in South America although many closely resemble the opossum. In the smallest continent of the world, Australia, the kangaroo, the koala, the Tasmanian devil, and the wombat can be found. The only marsupial wolf would've been added to this list but has recently become extinct.

While different species of marsupials live everywhere, most protect their young and act the same immediately after birth. The very short gestation time, 4-5 weeks, means that a baby marsupial, known as a joey, must develop extremely quickly. As small as a pebble, the baby must crawl across the body and into the pouch. To crawl the upper limbs must be far developed. From there the baby will latch onto the nipple for food. To hold on its jaw must be very strong and developed. The joey will not emerge for several months until fully developed.

Many species have different methods of protecting themselves from the harsh weather in the biome they live in. Thereafter, once developed, and emerging from the pouch, the joey must now be taught how to brave the world as a marsupial. In the higher north areas of Australia where wildfires and floods are abundant, marsupials will scrounge around remaining rivers for food. They will eat leaves and roots, as well as various forms of grass. Almost all species of marsupial grow very long eyelashes that protect the eyes as sunglasses would, shading them from the sun. In intense heat the marsupials will eat early in the morning and after dark to escape extremely high temperatures.

The extinct Marsupial wolf

Being football season, it is easy to classify animals similarly, there is the NFC North and the AFC south. There are marsupials and other animal groups. Marsupials are one of the most unique animals that will ever be found on this planet. These wonderful creatures that are losing their population, must not be taken for granted. And protected, unlike the marsupial wolf, which is no longer existing.