1. Order Didelphimorphia (Opossums)
Paul Dunay
Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
Keystone College
March 21, 2011

2. Opossum vs. Possum Brushtail Possum Virginia Opossum Water Opossum
Ringtail Possum

3. Basic Facts Largest order of marsupials in W. Hemisphere
Generally solitary, slow moving, and nocturnal
Most species are omnivores or opportunity eaters
Long and scaly prehensile tail
Length = 3 to 20 inches (7.5 to 50 cm) Weight = 5 to 14 pounds (2.3 to 6.4 kg)

4. Non-Syndactylous Feet

5. Dental formula is 5/4, 1/1, 3/3, 4/4 = 50

6. Baby Opossums

7. Playing Possum

8. Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

9. Water Opossum (Chironectes minimus)

10. Gray Four-eyed Opossum (Philander opossum)

11. Sources
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