An animated cartoon "Ice Age" brought fame to the family of opossum - for many, Krush and Eddie heroes became real idols. These animals appeared at the end cretaceous periodWhen dinosaurs were ruled on Earth. They managed to easily adapt to all climatic change And at the same time almost not change. To date, they inhabit South America and most North America, right up to Canada.
Opossums are leading single image Lifestyle except for the pairing season. Active, mostly at night. These animals are excellent pretenders - in the event of a fright or injury, the beast falls and pretending to be dead. It flows foam from the mouth, become glass eyes, and a special secret to the anal glands, having nasty smell. Such an imitation of death saves the life of the Oposatu, his pursuer leaves the place where the animal is located. After a certain time, the opossum is again "alive" and healthy. 
Opossuas (lat. Didelphidae), or American opossums - representatives of the mammalian family related to the infrack of the samples. Representatives of this infralassa are the least specialized and the most ancient, which appeared in the chalk period and for a long time did not undergo significant changes.
The family of opossums inhabit the new light today, however, in tertiary sediments of Europe there are fossil shapes. Many south America, inhabited by South America, were extinct soon after the emergence of a natural bridge connecting North and South America, which served to spread new species from the north to south. Only opossums managed to survive competition and expand their habitats to the north.
Rhodic opossums are the nearest Raist of American Opossums. Opossums have relatively small dimensions: 7-50 cm is the length of their body and 4-55 cm - the tail length. The muzzle of the possum of a pointed elongated shape. At the base of the tail sometimes there are thickening formed by fatty sediments. 
This family includes the most primitive from the sophum. All now living his representatives inhabit America. Fossil forms are known from the tertiary sediments of Europe. American opossums have an archaic tooth formula: a full range of incisors (five on each side of the upper jaw), well-developed fangs (larger than the incisors) and the sharp-burned indigenous. In total, representatives of this family have 50 teeth. It is characteristic of the primitive structure of the limbs: they are five of them, all fingers are equally well developed. Usually hind legs Developed stronger than the front. The tail in most cases is long, grasing, naked at the end. The bag is often underdeveloped, and if developed, it opens back, which is also an archaic line of the structure. All family representatives are predators or insectivores. In general, they play in Central and South America the same role that on other continents, representatives of the detachment of insectivores, which in tropical america very little. 
Systematics of the family needs refinement and refinement. IN this moment The family includes 12 clans. More than 60 species belonging to and childbirth, -tropic forms inhabiting Central and South America. One of the representatives of the genus Didelphis - North American Oposatum is found in the southern half of North America North American Oposatum (Didelphis Marsupialis) is widespread from South Canada south to Northern Peru, East Bolivia and Paraguay. He inhabits Eastern Half of the United States as well southern part The Pacific coast of this country, where he was delivered at the beginning of the XX century. Possum growth S. domestic cat, with short legs, sharp, light-colored muzzle and bare ears with pinkish tips. 
The tail is almost naked, long, grabbing type. Overall color usually gray, occasionally come across black animals. The females have developed back the bag. Body length 36-53 cm, tail -25-33 cm, weight 1, 6-5, 7 kg.
Opossums inhabit a wide variety of terrain - and low-albele, and sublime, mainly near the reservoirs. Active mainly at night. Compared with other mammals, they seem slow and stupid. Often pretend to be dead, which probably has a protective meaning. Opossums are perfectly climbing with the help of far retarded large fingers paw and muscular grabbing tails.
By the fall, the oxus is strongly fat and in winter it is often for several days in inconsistency in their logs. Per recent decades The area of \u200b\u200bthe Oposatum expanded somewhat north, but the cold limit this promotion.
Females begin to multiply aged one year. The shelter serves the hollow, the emptiness of the soil under the buildings, in the garbage, etc. In the mouth and on the bent crochet, the female brings dry remnants of plants to build the nest. In the north of opossums there is one brood, in the rest of the range - two broods per year. The brood consists initially of 8-18 young. After leaving the bag, no more than 7 young remains. Newborn all together weigh 2 g, and 20 such newborns freely fit in a teaspoon. 
With the help of well-developed claws on the front legs, they are closed in the mother's bag. After two months, they appear wool and eyes open. Attaching the nipples, they hang on them 65-70 days, then begin to move on their own and eat hard food. The young climbs on the back and the sides of the mother, clinging to her wool, while at the same time adhering to the tail behind her tail raised above his back. One brood is separated from the other period of about 3, 5 months. Life expectancy in nature in most opossums is less than 2 years. In captivity they can live more than 7 years.
Opossums are almost omnivores. They eat Padals, invertebrates, mice, reptiles, amphibians, mushrooms, many cultural plants, especially corn and grain cereals.
Durable skin and hard oxide fur used for manufacture outerwear And for finishing. Meat is suitable in food. Opossums bring some damage to gardens, fields and poultry glands, but this harm is often exaggerated.
In South America, in subtropics and Argentine Pampa, as well as in Andes, there is a close rhodation of the North American Opossum (Didelphis Azarae).
In addition to the considered kind of Didelphis, distributed in subtropics and in the south moderate belt, the overwhelming majority of the rest of the American silent are real tropical inhabitants. 
For a number of anatomical features to the genus Didelphis are close to two others - the genus of philandants, or four-eyed opossums (philander), and the genus of water opossums, or fevers (chironectes). Both are rhodame in one type. They combine higher organized animals with a well-developed bag.
Four-eyed opossum, or philanther (Philander Opossum), inhabit Central and South America, where it is found mainly in mountain areas West of the mainland, south to Paraguay and Northeast Argentina, as well as in Guiana and East Brazil. This is a movable dark gray animal, smaller than North American opossum. Over each eye he white spot; Hence the name of the animal.
Water opossum, or floating (chironeces minimus), inhabit Central America North to the Peninsula Yucatan and South America to Paraguay and South Brazil. Body length 27-29 cm, tail - 38-39 cm. Wool marble and black and gray, relatively short, thin and thick. On the paws of the membrane. Floating-secret, rather rare animal living in small rivers and streams. It feeds on fine fish and other water animals. 
The remaining 9 genera of American bags combine smaller and low-organized animals with a rudimentary bag.
The extensive genus of mysterious opossums (Marmosa) has, according to the ideas of modern systematics, about 40 species with a very limited area. At least a third of the available species - mountain animals common at considerable heights (2500 m and above). The greatest length The bodies of misery-shaped ointments of 17 cm, tail - up to 28 cm. The genus of fluffy opossums (Caluromys) has 3 species common in the central and tropical part South America. These are animals with long and fluffy wool and especially long tail, naked at the end. Body length 19- 27 cm, tail - 40-49 cm. Fluffy opossums behave strictly night image Life. These are more "woody" animals than other representatives of the family.
The genus of short-tailed opossums, or chamber agricultures (monodelphis) includes 11 species. These are small (about 10 cm long) animals, with relatively short tail and an elongated muzzle, outwardly resembling our agriculture.
The area of \u200b\u200bthe family goes beyond Brazil and some adjacent countries (Guiana, Venezuela, Peru).
The genus of burbourithic, or hunted, opossums (Metachirus) is represented by one type of M. Nudicaudatus. These are rather large animals (body length 25-26 cm, tail -33 cm), widespread in Central and South America.
The remaining 5 family genera (Caluromysiops, Glironia, Dromiciops, Lestodelphis, Lutreolina) are represented by each one or two species and have small ranges in the western and southern periphery of South American tropics.
Classification
View: Opossum
Family: Oposatum
Squad: Didelphimorphia.
Class: Mammals
A type: Chordovy
Subtype: Vertebrae
Dimensions:The length of the animal is 15-45 cm; Weight - from 0.5 to 6 kg
Life expectancy: from 2 to 7 years
Like, from prehistoric times to date, the view has practically not changed.
Some scientists belong to it as a living fossil.
Habitat
Unassuming biology, a flexible diet and reproductive strategy made them successful colonizers and left alive in restless time.
It should not be confused with other handballs, like sugar opossum (or sugar pavement), which lives in Australia.
Initially, the native of the eastern part of the United States, opossum appeared in the West during the Great Depression, probably as a source of food.
Its range is steadily expanding to the north. The animal inhabits the areas of meadows, agricultural land and forest Massives North America.
It is also seen in urban blocks, as a rule, which are close to the water, where it feeds on garbage.
Interesting! Oposatsum was first described at the beginning of 1565 in a published letter to Dr. Edward Tyson from Mr. William Cooper, Lekary and a member of the Royal Society in London.
Characteristic
More than 17 birth and 60 species of this animal are known. Among them: fluffy, water, elegant, thick-eyed opossums and others.
Appearance
Opossums, photos of this confirmation, are funny average mammals achieving the size of a large cat.
They have a whitish gray fur, sometimes black and white with various light and dark stripes.
Head and throat - white. Short paws, long pointed muzzle, sly eyes-beads, long chain tail and sharp claws. The female has a bag.
There is a moderate sexual dimorphism: males are somewhat larger than females. At the male - a split penis, the female is a split vagina.
Key Features
- The animals climb on trees, but, contrary to the common myth, can not hang on their tail.
- Each representative of this species has surprisingly reliable immune system And, like, immune to the poison rumpti Snake and Viguuk.
- Life expectancy is unusually small for mammals, as a rule, from 2 to 4 years. Aging occurs very quickly.
- Opossums are naturally timid and try to avoid interaction with people and pets. However, if it was provoked, it can easily kill a puppy or kitten with its extremely sharp teeth. It hits and screams when attacking.
Interesting! Frightened or affected by the animal can simulate death. Curled by the eagle on earth with open mouth and the dried language, he pretends to be dead. He can even release bad smelling feces. Breathing slows down for a few minutes or hours. During this presentation, it can be poked, kick, he will not give signs of life. So the beast avoids predators, because most of them do not eat Padal. Scientists still do not know whether the simulation is intentional or is an involuntary reaction.
Food
Despite the fact that opossums are carnivorous on classification due to their teeth, they are almost omnivorous. First of all, they are garbered and feed on Padal.
These animals also eat insects like, frogs, birds, snakes, different kinds Fruit, earthworms and even the remains of other animals killed on the highway.
An animal has a number natural enemies In his surroundings: these are predatory birds, such as owls and eagles, as well as foxes, dogs, cats.
People hunt them for meat. Many animals die on the roads during the hunt.
These animals are part of the ecosystem, the earth's food chain.
Consuming insects, fruits, small animals and other products, they themselves are food for coyotes, foxes, snakes and predatory birds.
Behavior, reproduction
Opossums, as a rule, lead a nomadic lifestyle, staying in one area until food and water are easily accessible.
Although they temporarily occupy abandoned holes or nests, they themselves do not dig and do not make efforts for the construction of the house.
They prefer dark, safe places, underground or in thickets.
As mentioned above, adult animals do not hang on the tail, but the young can hang down their heads.
Chain tails are not strong enough to withstand the weight of an adult beast, although they often serve as a support and fifth limb at climbing, and also used for ligament leaves in the nest.
The breeding season begins at the end of winter. The female has 2 or 3 litters per year, depending on the climate ambient. Each litter - up to 13 young.
Pregnancy is a brief, only 11 - 14 days. Children are extremely small, so small that 20 pieces can fit in a teaspoon.
After tiny opossums are born, they find their way to the mother's bag, where they will remain over the next two and a half months to continue maturation.
Since the main reproduction occurs from December to February, it means that young becomes active from the end of April to the beginning of August.
Sex maturity comes a year.
Interesting! After the kids leave the bag, they will remain beside the mother and on. The female sometimes wears young on the back, where the kids are tightly cling and do not fall, even if it works on Earth or climbs on a tree.
Relationships with people
Oposatsum is an animal not under threat of disappearance, although due to the cutting of the forests and the loss of the usual habitat, the opossums are becoming increasingly common in urban and suburban areas.
Oposatum has long been known in the United States, in particular, in the southern regions that have a lot culinary recipes And folklore relating to the possum.
In Dominica and Trinidad, the animal is popular today, it can be hunted at a certain time of the year.
You can even buy such a little animal. Its meat is traditionally fry or extinguished. It is bright, fine-grained. Used in dishes instead of rabbit or chicken.
Historically, the hunters in Caribbean Place a barrel S. freshwater or rotten fruitsTo attract the beast feeding fruit.
In contrast to hunting or, these animals are not caught because of the fur.
In Mexico, use their tails as folk remedy To improve fertility.
Fat Possise with a high content of acids is used as a means of arthritis.
Our children know this funny animal on cartoons. Crash and Eddie - Opossums from the "Ice Piece" - became their pets.
Hooligan's sailing brothers get everyone, but at the same time they care about the named sister, cheerful and kind.
As a fun and attractive can be opossum, a video film about baby Huddy will demonstrate to you.
Oposatsum: Funny Summer Kid
So who is he, mysterious opossum? Saver and pest or beloved Hero of cartoons, games, climber, first-class artist and died of all that falls into the paws: from apples to worms and snakes?
The fauna of the North American continent is different large varietywhich consists of a variety of amazing animals. One of them is opossum. Unique it makes it sole representative Baby animals in this part of the planet. It is unusual to its structure - on the body you can find a special pocket used for carrying a cub. And it should be noted that for the millennium of existence this species has not changed a single sign. Therefore, for scientists, it is of particular interest.
Today these animals can be found throughout the United States. Oposusums live in the southern part of Canada, in North America (Argentina) and South (Chile), as well as in Mexico. Excellent survival in restless times of opossums was demonstrated thanks to special structure Body, non-addiction to food and reproductive strategy.
But you need to distinguish between the North American opossum from other representatives of the sample, for example, sugar possession, which is found at the Australian continent.
The first representatives of this species were seen in the West of the United States during the Great Depression. But gradually they expanded their possessions in the northern direction. Oposatsum got used to the areas of meadows, agricultural land and forest arrays of North America. Often it can be found in urban quarters: He is accustomed to be near the water, using garbage as food.
Animal Possum: Photo, Characteristics
To date, the Oposatum family has 17 genera and 60 species. SAME famous representatives are fluffy, water opossums, elegant opossums, etc.
Appearance
Oposatsums are average mammals that are measured by a large cat in size. If you look at the picture, then these animals have a whitish gray color fur, some can have a fur coat. black and white with light and dark stripes. Head and throat traditionally have a white color. From others distinctive signs It is worth highlighting:
- short paws;
- elongated pointed face;
- cunning eyes-beads;
- a long tail;
- sharp talons.
The female is easy to distinguish with her bags. These animals are pronounced moderate sexual dimorphism, so males always have larger sizesthan females. Men's individuals have a split penis, and women's forked vagina.
The features of the teeth of opossums are pushing the thought that these are carnivorous animals, but in reality they can eat any food. The main feed for them is the garbage and Padal. They also do not discern insects, frogs, birds, fruit, earthwormsSometimes the remains of other animals who died on the highway can be food for them.
Despite the harmless lifestyle, there are many natural enemies in opossums. They are can easily become a victim:
- eagles;
- lisizers;
- dogs;
- cats.
For people, they are of interest as a source of meat. There are quite a few cases when these animals died in large quantities On the roads during the hunt.
Oposatsum is one of the links of the ecosystem forming food chain Our planet. Food for them is insects, fruits, small animals and other products, but at the same time they can also be eaten by larger animals - coins, foxes, snakes and predatory birds.
Behavior, reproduction
Opossums are nomadic animalswho do not leave their territory as long as there is there in the supply of food and water. Sometimes they can use abandoned holes or nests as a temporary habitability. Find a dwelling created by opossum - frequency. Basically, they choose dark, safe places located underground or in thickets.
Adult penets The tail does not allow them to be cling to the branches, but in this plan their young are different and can use this physiological appendage in such as the quality. Them tails are poorly developedTo withstand the weight of an adult beast. Therefore, their oxides are used as support and fifth limbs when climbing. Often they help them bind leaves in the nest.
Usually, the marriage season at the opossums occurs at the end of winter. For the year in females may happen 2-3 litters, their quantity depends on climatic conditions habitat. From one litter they can bring up to 13 young. Pregnancy has a little duration and is 11-14 days. Newborn opossums have very small sizes, so on one teaspoon you can easily place 20 pieces.
After the appearance of tiny opossums try to get to the mother's bagTo stay there until full ripening, which lasts the next 2.5 months. Given that opossums multiply from December to February, young individuals become independent in the period from the end of April to the beginning of August. They reach the age of sexual maturity at the age of 1.
Conclusion
Opossums are rare for european territoryAlthough B. usual places Habitations They are very common animals. Distinctive trait - High adaptability to the surrounding conditions. This is the fact that for all the time they could survive without significant changes.
Opossum - These are mammals of a small size, they also belong to the infrack of the samples. The first representatives appeared long ago, at the end of the chalk period. Since then, they have almost changed.
This is about this, their morphology, firstly, the structure of the bags and limbs, secondly, the location of the teeth along the archaic formula: on top of five incisors, from below four, fangs are well developed, indigenous acoustic teeth. In total, they have 50 teeth in their mouth.
The size of opossums can vary from seven to fifty centimeters, depending on the type. Weight gain up to six-seven kilograms. The animal's face is always acute, and at the base of the tail there may be a thickening, in which the excess fat is deposited on the "black day".
The tail is almost always without wool. The body of the opossum covers a thick fur, but short enough. At the ends of the paw in opossos of five fingers with sharp curls. They lead a nightlife.
In the diet prevail, but may be omnivorous. The diet depends on the habitat directly. Some prefer plants, while others go on a full hunt.
The habitat of opossums
Currently, all opossums live in the territory of Northern and South from Ontario to Argentina, however, during excavations in Europe, fossil remains of opossum were discovered in tertiary deposits of paleontologists.
Their habitat is wide, they will settle in the forests and steppes, as well as in semi-deserts, some species lead a semi-wheeled lifestyle, others prefer to settle on trees or norah on flat territory.
There are also some varieties that live in mountainous areas, at altitudes up to four thousand meters above sea level.
Life expectancy and reproduction
By nature, animals are loners, with the exception of the reproduction period. Opossums are very prolific - the pregnancy of females lasts only two weeks, and the number of cubs will turn over twenty in one litter.
Life term does not exceed eight years, sex maturity in both sexes comes to seven months.
As wild animal, opossumextremely gugl. In the event of a meeting with the predator, it falls sharply and pretends to die. At this point, a rich foam begins to flow from the mouth, the eyes are nervous, and a secret, very sharp smell, is distinguished from the glands in the anal hole. Sniffing the body, usually, the predator is forces and leaves, and the animal comes to life and runs away.
At the sight of the danger, opossum can pretend to be dead with the unpleasant smell
Possums at home
As pets for the family, it is worth considering such an exotic option as home opossum. These animals are calmly behave, each of them has their own character.
In no case, do not punish the guilty pet physically physically, it will eventually get out and can bite, also should not close them in the cells for a long time, they are also angry from imprisonment.
Since they are beautiful tree, the tenacious tail and claws helps them, then it is best to buy or make a special training device yourself.
Sugar opossumlike the most popular homemade, very picking up in food. From the wrong selected diet, it can significantly reduce life.
First, it is impossible to constantly feed them with the finished feed, secondly, it is necessary to regularly feed nuts and other natural productsSince they are omnivores.
Sometimes you can give small pieces of meat, vegetables and fruits, besides that, they love flies very much, especially popular among fishermen, larger - larvae flies. Opossyumdolitally cute creature, but still with a wild temper.
Sugar opossum or possess the most common home
The price of sugar (opossum) varies from 2500 to 10,000 rubles, though there are breeders who are asking for their pets and 15 and 20 thousand rubles. These prices are relevant on 02.08. 2016 year.
Opossums out Glacial period very loved to swim this fact refers to real life, because they are large clean, so the animal cage must be cleaned regularly, at least once every two days.
It is very important that in the cell there is always a sufficient amount of water, as opossums drink very often and a lot, and the lack of moisture can lead to diseases.
Possum with young
If children want such an animal as oposatsum, buy It can be in nurseries or the owners of adult individuals. Also on ad sites there is always a rubric for the sale of animals in which such exotic instances can be searched.
Remember such Pittsava, remember the mass of funny moments, followed by every day, because each of them is a unique character and playful temper. Since very fruit beast, price on kid opossum Not very high - in the area of \u200b\u200bfour or five thousand rubles.
Fur Oposatuma
Scientists found out that the structure of a hair out of the wool of oxus is very similar to the white pile - it is hollow inside, which keeps warm, in addition, the light plays very beautifully on its skirt.
Because of these qualities, they are very popular among manufacturers of fur coats. Coat from opossumwith good dressing, it looks no worse. Since their breeding is a simple, the price of such a product is within twenty-five thousand rubles.
Such fur coats are very popular among young fashionists who still do not have enough money on a more expensive option. The only minus it is a briefness.
Such a fur coat can serve faithfully, with proper care, up to five winter seasons is not a record indicator, but not small. Even a mink fur coat, most likely, in five years, many women will require replacement to a new one.
On the planet, the Earth has about two hundred types of sample animals. Of these, two thirds of their homeland consider Australia. On this continent, due to its separation from other mainland, its unique fauna has been preserved. The most famous Australian silence are Kangaroo and Koala. But there are other animals that have a skin fold on the belly. The family of opossums also belongs to those. But not everything is so simple. Bag is not all kinds. In addition, not all opossums live in Australia. Most of their species live only on the American continent. In this article you will learn what kind of animal dwarf opossum. The photo of this cute crumb will soften the heart even at all at all. Especially when the kid is confidentially sleeping in human palms.
Why do you need a bag
Despite the various structure of the body, sizes, food and lifestyle, most have one common anatomical feature. This is a bag that is a skin fold on the belly of females. It can be both very deep and barely noticeable, open forward or backward. Many endemics of Australia unites this anatomical featureDisappearing in species of animals living on other continents. But at the same time, it is found not only on the green continent and in but also in South and North America. Why do you need this imperious cavity? The fact is that young at the silent are born underdeveloped. After all, pregnancy lasts long - 8-40 days. This is actually embryos. For example, in Kangaroo the newborn reaches only three centimeters in length. But they are very alive. Newborn climbing the mother's belly in search of a bag. There they find the nipple and fall to him for a long week. Even reaching maturity, young in case of danger is looking for shelter in the mother's bag. But opossums and here showed their uniqueness. Not all of them have bags. Some of them are equipped with a rudimentary fold, and some do not have it in risen. For example, dwarf opossum does not have a brood bag.
Brief description of the family
The family of opossum numbers about eighty species. Most of them live in equatorial forests Central and South America. Externally, these small animals of 7-50 centimeters are reminiscent of mice or rats. Especially since some species have naked, devoid of wool tail. However, unlike rodents, this appendage plays a very big role in the life of the animal. The tail of the opossum clings for the branches of the trees, they are "powered" when jumping. Sometimes it is thickened at the base of fat deposits. Oposusums most often live in crowns of trees, but there are views leading a terrestrial or semi-water lifestyle. Basically feed in the insects, but there are also such foods of which is nectar colors. Dwarf opossum (Marmosa Murina), having another name of the Aneev mouse, lives on trees in tropical forests between the rivers Amazon and Orinoco. These animals are active at dusk.
Despite the name, this is not the smallest representative of the family. The length of it can reach up to 31 centimeters, of which more than half have a grasing naked tail. The fur coat of the animal from above is yellowish-gray, and the abdomen lighter color. Bags, as already mentioned, this type of opossums are not. Lives the animal in the crowns of trees - in the dupes, voids under the crust. Eneeva mouse is truly omnivorous. Do not break and bird eggs. But most of all she loves the fruit, as well as a variety of crickets and other insects. The life expectancy of this mouse reaches eight years. The female brings in the litter 10-12 young. For the absence of the bags of kids, they just hang on her nosses. And when the young grow up a little, they move to the mother on the back.
Other types of pygmeyev opossums
This tiny animal can be called an elf. It eats exclusively with floral nectar and fruits like a moth. Meet the eastern dwarf opossum, or sonia. Its length is 12 centimeters, and eight of them are tail. Sony are active in the summer and low-lived in winter, for which they received their second nickname. When opossum feeds well, it lays fat at the base of the tail. The dwarfs are also inhabited in Brazil, Argentina and Peru a pouring opossum. He has no bags, and the body length reaches 15 centimeters. A record holder among Liliputs is the Chak's Opossum. The length of his body is only 68 millimeters.
In fact, these small animals are a completely different family - Burramyidae. Yes, and call them poses. Such a name gave Animals James Cook, which described the representative of the species at the opening of Queensland. Far from biology, the captain compared a new animal with a famous American opossum. But in his notes, he made a blot: missed the initial letter "O". So the name "Posses" was fixed behind the Australian Momber. Now scientists allocate five types of Burramyidae family. They are found in the east of Australia and New Guinea. Of these, only one species is a mountain couscous - falls into winter hibernation. Australian dwarf opossum has a well-pronounced, opening the bag. This animal has small rounded ears and a long grave tail.
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