Is Possum And Opossum The Same Animal

What's The Difference Between "Possum" vs. "Opossum"?

Published Jan 13, 2011

Possum and opossum are two words that many people call back are synonyms or alternate spellings of the same word. While there is some truth to that, these words tin can actually be used to refer to different animals.

In this commodity, we will explain exactly what a possum and an opossum is and the difference between how the words possum and opossum are used in zoology.

⚡ Quick summary

The word opossum refers to many different species of marsupials native to N and S America. The word possum has been used to refer to a number of species of marsupials native to Australia and nearby islands. The word possum is also oftentimes used informally to refer to an opossum.

What is a possum?

If you live in the Americas, you might think y'all know what a possum is. While this give-and-take is commonly used in the U.s.a. to refer to a specific animate being, technically possums don't live in the Americas. In zoology, the give-and-take possum is used to refer to multiple species of tree-dwelling marsupials native to Australia and nearby islands. The possums of Australia are minor, cute animals with large ears and hirsuite prehensile tails.

These animals are members of the large Phalangeridae family of marsupials. While the name possum is used to refer to many members of this family, the animals most ordinarily referred to equally possums are the brushtail possums of the genus Trichosurus, such as the mutual brushtail possum.

What is an opossum?

Now, let's return to the Americas. In zoology, the word opossum is used to refer to members of the Didelphidae family of marsupials. Only one of these animals—albeit a very common ane—is native to North America and the residue alive in Fundamental and Due south America.

The beast that most Americans are familiar with, and which is often informally called a possum, is the North American marsupial known equally the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Unlike the Australian possums, this rat-similar marsupial has smaller ears, a fleshy tail, and a face full of pointy teeth. The Virginia opossum is the beast that is famous for its strategy of pretending to be dead—playing possum—in order to avert existence attacked by predators.

Speaking of furry little creatures, what exactly is a gopher? Or a woodchuck? Are you sure you know the difference?

Where do possum and opossum come up from?

The give-and-take opossum is first recorded in the early 1600s. It comes from a Virginia Algonquin word that is transcribed into English language equally aposoum, opassom, and other similar spellings. This word translates to "white creature" or "white dog" and likely refers to the Virginia opossum's white fur.

The discussion possum is as well get-go recorded in the early on 1600s and comes from the give-and-take … opossum. English language, yous have in one case again unnecessarily dislocated us all. Much like today, the word possum was used as a shortening of opossum to also refer to the Virginia opossum and its relatives.

Apparently the source of all of this confusion is the fault of 18th century English explorer Sir Joseph Banks. When traveling to Australia, Banks described the bushy marsupials he saw as being members of the opossum family (even though they totally weren't). As in the Americas, the name was shortened to possum and has stuck there ever since. Thank you, Joe!

Possum vs opossum pronunciation

The word opossum is pronounced "uh-pos-uhm" or "pos-uhm" as if the "o" wasn't there. (You lot are on sparse ice, English language.)

The word possum is pronounced "pos-uhm."

Examples of possum and opossum in a sentence

• I saw an opossum run beyond the route this morning time.
• The possums that alive in Australia are really cute.
• An opossum will play possum if it feels information technology is in danger.

Source: https://www.dictionary.com/e/possum-vs-opossum/

Posted by: haassobsell.blogspot.com

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