Special Sub-Topic: North American Opossum Click Here To Play: North American Opossum

The opossum is the only marsupial in North America.

t.

The genus of the North American opossum is ___________.

Didelphis.

Of the 4 to 24 young born in a litter, only ________usually survive.

8 or 9.

The opossum only has one litter a year.

f. They may have as many as 3 litters a year.

How long is the gestation period of the female opossum?

13 days. Hard to believe, but only 13 days!

Young opossums are about the size of a __________ when born.

Honeybee.

The baby opossum is called a _______ .

Kit.

After emerging from the mother's pouch, the young ride around on their mother's back for several weeks.

t.

How many teeth does the opossum have?

50. The opossum has more teeth than any other North American land mammal.

Adult opossums can use their tails to hang upside down in trees.

f. Although it is at home in trees, it uses its prehensile tail to stabilize position when climbing. It does not, however, hang by the tail.