marsupial
Definition
Marsupials are mammals that have a pouch on their belly where they carry their young. They are found in Australia, New Guinea, and parts of South America. Marsupials come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny mouse opossum to the large kangaroo.
Marsupials are different from other mammals in a few ways. First, their young are born very underdeveloped. They crawl into the pouch after they are born and stay there for several months, drinking milk and growing. Second, marsupials have a different way of reproducing. The male marsupial has a forked penis that he uses to insert sperm into the female's pouch.
Marsupials play an important role in the ecosystems where they live. They are preyed upon by other animals, but they also help to control populations of insects and other small animals. Marsupials are also an important part of the Australian economy. They are hunted for their fur and meat, and they are also used in scientific research.
How can the word be used?
The wombat is a marsupial that is native to Australia and New Guinea.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- A mammal that has a pouch in which the female carries its young.
- A member of the order Marsupialia, which includes kangaroos, wombats, and opossums.
Adjective:
- Relating to or characteristic of marsupials.
Etymology
The word "marsupial" comes from the Latin word "marsupium", which means "pouch".
The word "marsupial" was first used in English in the 18th century. It was originally used to describe mammals that have a pouch in which the female carries its young, but it soon came to be used in a more general sense to describe any member of the order Marsupialia.
Question
What is a marsupial?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the unique reproductive characteristics and adaptations of marsupials compared to placental mammals. Provide examples of well-known marsupials and how their reproductive strategies contribute to their survival.
Answer:
Marsupials, a group of mammals including kangaroos, koalas, and opossums, have distinct reproductive features that set them apart from placental mammals. One notable difference is the marsupial's short gestation period. Marsupials give birth to relatively undeveloped offspring, which then continue their development outside the womb within a pouch. This pouch provides a protective environment for the vulnerable young, allowing them to complete their growth in a safe and nourishing space.
Kangaroos, for instance, give birth to tiny, premature joeys, which instinctively crawl into the mother's pouch where they attach to a teat for further development. This adaptive strategy allows marsupials to adjust their reproductive rates in response to fluctuating environmental conditions.
In contrast, placental mammals have longer gestation periods, during which the developing foetus is nourished by a placenta within the womb.
Marsupials' reproductive adaptations contribute to their survival in diverse environments. By giving birth to relatively undeveloped offspring, marsupials can rapidly reproduce when resources are available and adjust their reproductive output when conditions are less favourable. This flexibility enhances their resilience in changing ecosystems.