Opossum and possum are often confused, despite having completely different characteristics. While both opossum and possum are placental mammals, the main difference is they refer to two distinct classes of mammals, each of which has its own home range. That being said, both opossum and possum are very closely related to some members of the rodent family, such as mice, rats, shrews and voles. The main difference between opossum and possum is that possum is a desert mammal, while opossum is semi-aquatic. In addition, they are quite distinct from other rodents, including shrews and voles.

 

Unlike their placental relatives, marsupials have evolved independently several times during their history. They are classified in four major subspecies: Dama sibiricum, Malabaricum sibiricum, Embodiment sibiricum and Macrobiotic sibiricum. Based on fossil discoveries and systematic classifications, there are currently 16 known species of possum. The most recently discovered species, discovered in south central Australia, is now believed to be a new subspecies or variant of Macrobiotic possum. There are currently three known subspecies recognized by science, with several more awaiting discovery.

 

Although it is quite easy to tell opossum vs possum based on appearance, there are many differences that may be significant. Opossum has an all-black body, with its two eye spots located in its forehead and its tongue protruding out in front. Possum on the other hand, has a grey body with a fawn color tail and black eye spots. Most opossum species are burrowers, preferring to enter houses through the under floorboards or cracks. They have smallish ears, long legs and short mandibles, which are clearly visible when they are bent over.

Opossum Vs Possum - Which is the Real Types of possum?

 

On the other hand, the face of opossum differs significantly from the face of their living close cousin, the ringtail possum. Ringtail possums have white bellies, grey fur, rounded ears, dark eyes and short mandibles, which make them appear as though they are wearing eyeglasses. They do not have any dorsal stripe or web between their toes. Their scent glands are positioned in their chest, rather than their underarms.

 

Despite their different physiognomy, both Australia and New South Wales possum are distinguished from each other by a number of physical attributes. While most people assume that Australia opossum is smaller than the common possum, a recent study proves otherwise. When the opossum was studied under a microscope, it was revealed that the size of these animals is not significantly smaller than that of the marsupials. In addition, it has been found out that females have larger offspring than males.

 

Marsupials have extended hind legs that are well-developed. This helps them to reach trees without difficulty. Although these animals cannot jump very high, they are capable of climbing trees just like the common possums. They also have claws on their toes and fingers, unlike the Australia opossum, which lacks such appendages. These features along with their short forelimbs, long legs and dense fur, make them seem to resemble the Java possums more closely.

 

On the other hand, marsupials differ from opossums in that they are not warm-blooded. Unlike possums, they can survive in temperatures up to minus sixty degrees Fahrenheit. Although they prefer arid and semi-arid conditions, they will venture into humid ones during the summer. On warmer days, they will seek shade under rocks or shrubs. They have small litters, usually no more than four to five pups, with the female being the only survivor. They live from one to three years, after which they begin to reproduce once again.

 

Opossum and Possum are both interesting to observe and learn about. Both have unique characteristics that set them apart, making it easier for scientists to classify both species. Knowing which one is which allows scientists to draw up an accurate species description that will be useful in the future for biological management.

Thank you for reading, If you want to read more blog posts about opossum vs possum do check our site - Papier De Soie We try to update the blog bi-weekly