Opossum are quite often referred as ‘the living fossil’, as they have been residing on earth since the dinosaur age. Existing in various sizes and weights, opossums have white face, hairy grey body, naked ears and a scaly tail. Though they do look like rats, they are not at all related with them. Rather, they can be similar to cats in a way that they are extremely clean and groom themselves often. Often called as Possum, they are extremely versatile animals. They are efficient swimmers, climbers and are also extremely adaptable. They eat variety of foods and reproduce rapidly. To know some more interesting facts and amazing information about Opossums, read on.
Facts about Opossum
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Didelphimorphia
Family: Didelphidae
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Species: More than 60
Length: 3 cm to 120 cm (depending upon species)
Weight: 170 g to 15 kg (depending upon species)
Teeth: 50
Diet: Omnivorous
Natural Habitat: United States, South & North America, Australia
Age: 2 to 4 years
Gestation Period: 12 to 14 days
Number of Offspring: Many (depending upon species)
Interesting and Amazing Information about Opossum
- Opossum are commonly known as possum.
- They have been inhabiting earth since the past 70 - 80 million years, making them one of the world’s oldest surviving mammals.
- They are resistant to diseases like rabies because of their efficient immune system and low body temperature.
- Opossum use their tail and mouth to climb.
- They do not have good eyesight or hearing power.
- Possums have a sharp sense of smell.
- They are nocturnal and hide during the day.
- When threatened, opossums curl up in the shape of a coma and become motionless. This state can last from 1 minute to 6 hours.
- They are resistant to snake venom.
- They are non-aggressive and are extremely clean.
