Did opossums evolve from didelphodons?

Scientists have traced the evolution of the modern opossum back to the extinction of the dinosaurs and found evidence to support North America as the ... read more

Opossum-like peradectids first appeared on the continent about 65 million years ago, at the time of the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, which killed the dinosaurs. “North America is a critical area for understanding marsupial and opossum origins because of its extensive and varied fossil record,” said lead author Inés Horovitz, an assistant adjunct professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. read more

Ancient origins of modern opossum revealed Date: December 17, 2009 Source: University of Florida Summary: Scientists have traced the evolution of the modern opossum back to the extinction of the dinosaurs and found evidence to support North America as the center of origin for all living marsupials. read more

To opossums, square meals can include fruit, nuts, insects, earthworms, small mammals, snakes, bird eggs, garbage, dog food and the occasional chicken. The opossum has evolved an immunity to snake venom so that rattlesnakes are part of the animal's preferred diet. read more