Australian faunal subregion

views updated Jun 11 2018

Australian faunal subregion A region that is distinguished by a unique marsupial (Marsupialia) fauna, including herbivores, carnivores, and insectivores. These evolved in isolation from the placental mammals (Eutheria) which now dominate the other continental faunas. In addition to marsupials there are also very primitive mammals (Monotremata), the spiny ant-eater and the platypus; and small rodents which are relatively recent (probably Miocene) immigrants.

Australian faunal subregion

views updated Jun 11 2018

Australian faunal subregion A region that is distinguished by a unique marsupial (Marsupialia) fauna, including herbivores, carnivores, and insectivores. These evolved in isolation from the placental mammals (Eutheria) which now dominate the other continental faunas. In addition to marsupials there are also very primitive mammals (Monotremata), the spiny anteater and the platypus; and small rodents which are relatively recent (probably Miocene) immigrants.

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

Australian faunal subregion

All Sources -
Updated Aug 08 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic

You Might Also Like

    NEARBY TERMS

    Australian faunal subregion