Didelphimorphia

The order of the Didelphimorphes is that of the Opossums of the southern hemisphere. Opossums probably diverged from primitive the Ameridelphia of South America of the Crétacé and the early Paléocène. Didelphimorphes have a group brother, the Paucituberculata, or Opossums shrew.

Didelphimorphes are Marsupiaux of small size or intermediate size. They are semi-arboricolous Omnivore S, with some exceptions. The majority of the members of this taxon have long muzzles, a narrow brain-pan, and a prominent sagittal peak (= a longitudinal osseous peak in the center of cranium). The formula Dent surface includes 5 incisors (4 on the jaw lower), 1 canine, 3 premolars and 4 molars. According to the standards of the Mammalian S, it is a jaw very complete. The incisors are very small, the canines, large. The molars are Tricuspide S.

Didelphimorphes are rare Plantigrade S. Plus, the posterior legs have opposable inches without claw. The nails are differently rare in the animal world but common at the Primates. Still like the Primates, Opossums can have a tail Préhensile. The stomach is simple, with small a Cæcum. The reproductive apparatus of Opossums is very simple, with a reduced Marsupium. This means that the Embryon S are born at a very early stage. The females are generally larger than the males.

Didelphimorphes are opportunist omnivores with a very broad food mode. Their little specialized biology, their not very strict food mode and their reproductive strategy made their success in the various mediums which they colonized. It is perhaps as they could settle in North America.

These Opossums cannot be hung with the branches by their tail.

Classification

The members of this kind are classified in only one family and a kind Incertae sedis :

External bonds

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