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What is the difference between a possum and an opossum?
Both possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America. In common use, possum is the usual term; in technical or scientific contexts opossum is preferred. Opossum can be pronounced with its first syllable either voiced or silent .
Is a possum a rodent?
Although often described as “large rats”, opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are not rodents, but marsupials (relative of the kangaroo). They are the only marsupial in North America.
Do opossums carry diseases?
Opossums carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. They may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Opossums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments.
Why is the O in opossum silent?
People in this region do not usually pronounce the “O”. Possums are native to Australia. When English explorers first met the Australian creature, they thought it looked like the North American Opossum. As a result, they called it a possum and recorded the name like North Americans would pronounce it (without the “O“).
Will possums bite you?
Just like any scared animal, it’s possible for opossums to bite in defense. If they feel cornered or threatened, opossums will use several escape strategies ranging from playing dead to hissing. Biting is rare, but people should avoid contact with all wild animals to eliminate the risk.
Can you have a possum as a pet?
It’s illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they’re old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released. They’re wild animals who don’t fare well often in captivity. Trying to transform a possum into a pet can be expensive and heartbreaking.
What are opossums good for?
Opossums are omnivorous and are beneficial to humans because they cause very little damage and they consume undesirable insects, snails, and slugs. The many beneficial qualities of opossums include: Keeping neighborhoods clear of unwanted pests like cockroaches, rats, and mice.
Can possums and cats mate?
It is generally admitted by bushmen that cats and opossums will occasionally cross, although there is some disagreement whether the progeny is sterile.
What is the plural for possum?
possums
The plural form of possum is possums. E.g. ”There are two possums in my apple tree. ”
Are possums and opossums related?
Here’s a tip: Opossums and possums are different animals. Opossums live in North and South America, while possums live in Australia and other countries. Both animals are marsupials, but possums are more closely related to kangaroos.
Is a possum a rat?
Despite its appearance, the opossum is not related to the rat. In fact, the opossum is a marsupial, or “pouched” mammal, and is therefore related to other marsupials such as the kangaroo and the koala. Like kangaroos and koalas, infant opossums stay inside the mother’s pouch to nurse and develop.
What does Alphadon stand for?
Alphadon (meaning “first tooth”) was a genus of small, primitive mammal that was a member of the metatherians, a group of mammals that includes modern-day marsupials. Its fossils were first discovered and named by George Gaylord Simpson in 1929.
When was the Alphadon first discovered?
Its fossils were first discovered and named by George Gaylord Simpson in 1929. As a metathere mammal, it was related to Didelphodon and the modern marsupials. Alphadon appeared in Walking with Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie.
How many species of Alphadon are there?
The Alphadon’s classified type is the Alphadon marshi. Eight other species are known. The species Alphadon jasoni was originally described by Storer (1991); it was subsequently transferred to the herpetotheriid genus Nortedelphys.
Can you help dinopedia out with the Alphadon?
You can help Dinopedia out by adding more information to it. Alphadon (meaning “first tooth”) was a genus of small, primitive mammal that was a member that includes modern-day marsupials. Its fossils were first discovered and named by George Gaylord Simpson in 1929. As a metathere mammal, it was related to Didelphodon and the modern marsupials.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTtqKXRoy10