All articles tagged with #marsupial
Male antechinus endure marathon matings that can last up to 14 hours as males compete for multiple partners; the extreme energy and stress can suppress the immune system and cause death after breeding, illustrating a high-risk strategy to pass on genes, while females generally live longer.
Paleontologists in Texas discovered the largest Paleocene marsupial fossil, Swaindelphys solastella, shedding light on early mammal evolution, ancient ecosystems, and potential links to primate ancestors, highlighting Texas' significant role in paleontological research.
Scientists have discovered the remains of Ambulator keanei, an extinct quarter-ton marsupial that roamed Australia during the Pliocene epoch. The newly described species belonged to the Diprotodontidae family and had a body plan similar to a bear or rhinoceros. Its unique walking style, which evenly distributed its weight, may have enabled it to walk long distances in a rapidly changing ecosystem. The discovery sheds light on the mysteries surrounding other extinct marsupials, including the largest ever marsupial, Diprotodon optatum.