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Opossum
The opossum ( or ) is a marsupial of the order Didelphimorphia () endemic to the Americas. The largest order of marsupials in the Western Hemisphere, it comprises 103 or more species in 19 genera. Opossums originated in South America and entered North America in the Great American Interchange following the connection of the two continents. Their unspecialized biology, flexible diet, and reproductive habits make them successful colonizers and survivors in diverse locations and conditions.Although the animal is often called a possum in North America, which would refer to the Virginia opossum species, it should not be confused with the suborder Phalangeriformes, which are arboreal marsupials in the Eastern Hemisphere also called “possums” because of their resemblance to Didelphimorphia.
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Opossum (noun)
Any American marsupial of the family Didelphidae. The common species of the United States is Didelphis virginiana.
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Possum (noun)
An opossum, a marsupial of the family Didelphidae of the Americas.
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Possum (noun)
Any of the marsupials in several families of the order Diprotodontia of Australia and neighboring islands.
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Opossum (noun)
an American marsupial which has a naked prehensile tail and hind feet with an opposable thumb.
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Opossum (noun)
a possum.
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Possum (noun)
a tree-dwelling Australasian marsupial that typically has a prehensile tail.
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Possum (noun)
an opossum.