didelphimorphs

Didelphimorphs is the sole order of marsupials found in the Americas. This group, commonly known as opossums, includes a diverse range of species primarily inhabiting Central and South America, with one species, the Virginia opossum, extending its range into North America. Didelphimorphs are characterized by their prehensile tails, often used for climbing and grasping, and their generalist diets, which can include insects, fruits, small vertebrates, and carrion.

The most distinctive feature of didelphimorphs is their reproductive strategy, typical of marsupials. Females possess a pouch, or marsupium, where their underdeveloped young complete their development after birth. The number of offspring can be quite large, and only a fraction typically survive to adulthood. Didelphimorphs are known for their unique defense mechanism of "playing dead," where they enter a trance-like state to deter predators. This behavior, while often perceived as a sign of intelligence, is an involuntary physiological response. The order contains a single family, Didelphidae, which is further divided into numerous genera and species, showcasing a wide array of adaptations to different environments, from arboreal to terrestrial lifestyles.