Phalangeroidea

views updated

Phalangeroidea (infraclass Metatheria, order Marsupialia (or Diprotodontia) A superfamily that comprises the families Pseudocheiridae, Petauridae, Phalangeridae (koala, possums, cuscus), Acrobatidae, and Burramyidae. The first pair of lower incisors is diprotodont. In the hind foot the second and third digits are syndactylous; typically the first hind digit is well developed and opposable, but has no claw. The marsupium is well developed. Most Phalangeroidea are herbivores and many show modification for specialized herbivorous diets.

More From encyclopedia.com