- Phalangeridae
Taxobox
name = PhalangeridaeMSW3 Groves | pages = 45-50]
image_width = 200px
image_caption =Common Brushtail Possum
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis =Mammal ia
subclassis =Marsupialia
ordo =Diprotodontia
subordo =Phalangeriformes
familia =Phalangeridae
subdivision_ranks =Genus
subdivision =
*"Ailurops "
*"Phalanger "
*"Spilocuscus "
*"Strigocuscus "
*"Trichosurus "
*"Wyulda "Phalangeridae is a family of
nocturnal marsupials native toAustralia andNew Guinea , including thecuscus es,brushtail possum s, and their close relatives. Considered a type ofpossum , most species arearboreal , and they inhabit a wide range of forest habitats from alpine woodland toeucalypt forest and tropical jungle.Characteristics
Phalangerids are relatively large, compared with other
possum s. The smallest species, theSulawesi Bear Cuscus , is cat-sized, averaging 34 cm in length, while the largest, the Black-spotted Cuscus is around 70 cm long, and weighs 5 kilograms. Besides the large size, other key features distinguishing phalangerids from other possums include the presence of bare skin on at least part of the tail, and low-crowned molar teeth. They have claws on the forefeet, but none on the hindfeet, although these do have an opposable first toe to help grip onto branches. Additionally, in all but one species, both the first and second digits of the forefeet are opposable. The fur is typically dense or woolly, and may be grey, black, or reddish-brown, often with spots or stripes.cite book |editor=Macdonald, D.|author= Dickman, Christopher R.|year=1984 |title= The Encyclopedia of Mammals|publisher= Facts on File|location=New York|pages= 850-855|isbn= 0-87196-871-1]Most phalangerids are
folivore s, feeding primarily on leaves. Like some similar species, they have a largececum to ferment this highly fibrous food and extract as much nutrition as possible. However, their teeth are not as highly adapted to this diet as in other possums, and they also eat fruit, and even some invertebrates. The only exception to these general rules is theGround Cuscus , which is carnivorous, and is also less arboreal than other phalangerid species. The dental formula of phalangerids is:dentition|3.1.1.4|2.0.1-2.4Gestation in phalangerids lasts 16-17 days in those species so far studied. The females have a well developed pouch, and typically raise only or two young at a time, less than many other possums. The adults are typically solitary, defending territories marked by scent glands, odiferous saliva, urine, or dung.Classification
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