Are The Australian Possums Different From The Opossums Of America?
Yes, the possums of Australia are a quite distinct group from the opossums of the New World. Possums are tree living marsupials. Three very similar groups of tree-dwelling marsupials exist today: the brushtail possums, the rare scaly-tailed possum and the cuscuses. These are restricted to Australia and New Guinea whereas the opossums live only in the American continent. The three Australian groups – called ‘phalangers’ because of their long toes or ‘phalanges’ – are specialised for life in the trees. Each foot has five toes bearing strong claws. The big toe on the hindfoot, and both the first and second toes on the forefoot, are opposed to the others (the fronts of the toes face each other and can be pressed together). Their tails -are long and prehensile – able to wrap around a branch. All these features ensure that they keep a good grip as they climb among the trees. The phalangers are most active during the evening and at night, foraging mainly for vegetarian food, such as fruit and
