#Phalangeriformes

[guthrie-odonto]

With Wiglett being a thing and this possibly setting up other Pokémon in Paldea that converged on the body plans of previously introduced Pokémon (what would we call these to distinguish them from regional variants? Regional convergences? Regional imposters? Regional equivalents?), let me remind y’all that the “Galarian forms” of the legendary birds set this whole thing up two years ago!

And as for the fact that these have the exact same names as the legendary birds despite not being that similar upon closer inspection, the same thing happens to convergently-evolved animals in real life!

Pumas are often called “mountain lions” despite being in the subfamily Felinae while lions are a species of panther in the subfamily aptly named Pantherinae

American opossums are in their own distinct order (Didelphimorphia) while the possums in Australia are in the same order as sugar gliders (Phalangeriformes)

Buttonquail aren’t even remotely related to old world quail; while old world quail are in the same family as chickens and turkeys (Phasianidae), buttonquail are in the order Charadriiformes, making them shorebirds and related to plovers, sandpipers, and seagulls!

STRUTHIOMIMUS L I T E R A L L Y MEANS “OSTRICH MIMIC”!!!

[punkpossum55]

Evening Scavengers, and What's Up Spacefucks 💫

This is your Chief Medical Officer 9414XY Basha Baily 55, here! Pugnacious Punk Possum and all around Perilous Phalangeriforme 🌟

I am one member of a seven member crew of ENVtubers aboard the ship The K0T1C. The vast majority of our actives consist of flying about the galaxies with full intent of fucking around but not really finding out.

We do find out sometimes, though.

If you'd like to learn more about my crew, you can find out more information Here.

And if you want to learn more about me, well, then stick around. We're docked here for a while.

[birdblues]

Honey Possum

[animalids]

Green ringtail possum (Pseudochirops archeri)

Photo by Sean Crane

[just-call-me-ishmael]

Photos from the Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria. I loved this bushland refuge and was glad to escape the city for a day to see the Victorian countryside. They have an amazing program showcasing the parrots and birds of prey of Australia, including the wedge-tailed eagle!

1. One of my favorite mammals ever, the echidna (Tachyglossus).

2. A pic of the elusive platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). This monotreme is in a constant state of motion, swimming and hunting. Capturing pictures was hard! 

3. A denizen of the nocturnal exhibit, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). 

4. Another very special marsupial, the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis). 

5. The skull of Thylacoleo, a rather derpy Pleistocene mammal known as the marsupial lion. 

6. An Aboriginal rendition of the platypus. Fun fact: my dad was unfamiliar with the didgeridoo and thus made the comment “I don’t get why they’re playing this goofy music”...

7. All aboard this adorable echidna train! (I love echidnas ok don’t judge.)

8. I got more quality hangout time with my favorite marsupial, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisi). This one was named Joey! I also got to meet a little bab Tassie devil. 

9. Joey’s keeper was near the enclosure so he was very hopeful for more food. Healesville Sanctuary and Zoos Victoria are doing important work building an insurance population in Australia as the Tasmanian wild population is being ravaged by a tumor disease that spreads like a virus, and it is always fatal. The official program of the Australian government can be found here. 

[tlaquetzqui]

Fun fact, “monkey” cannot describe New World animals unless it also describes apes, because apes are closer to Old World monkeys than the New World ones are.

In fact it was 19th century scientists, overconfident as usual, who inflicted the erroneous notion that apes and monkeys are two different things—when the actual meaning of “ape” had been “large simian, tailed or not”. (But I don’t think it was ever applied to spider or howler monkeys, in English.)

I mean unless maybe “monkey” is purely morphological not taxonomical, like “tree” or “fish”—but at that point some of the Phalangeriform marsupials probably qualify.

[firstginger]

Your quiz was super fun and I got an anteater! I was wondering what other animals would fall under an INFP personality?

i’ve realized i’m getting a lot of requests from INFPs so this seems like the perfect question to make a little list of my top 100 animals i think of for INFPs! i won’t go into too much detail with these, this might just be a good starting place for people to ask specific questions about forms!

macropodidae - tree kangaroo (independent, polite, private, go with the flow, non-planner, even-tempered, unobtrusive and passive, shy but tactful) - whiptail wallaby (social and gets anxious without support, generous and nurturing yet needs freedom, nervous planner, has a competitive streak) - red-necked wallaby (socially flexible, happy alone or with friends, anxious planner, doesn’t like commitments, has a competitive streak) - pademelon (socially flexible, happy alone or with friends, slow-starting and procrastinating, self-doubting, habitual and routine)

phalangeriformes - ringtail possum (attached to loved ones but wary of strangers, observant, specialized and likes to find a niche, still willing to be flexible, boundary-keeping and can be defensive) - brushtail possum (slow to trust but deeply loyal and affectionate, to loved ones, habitual and routine-oriented, low energy and corner-cutting, focused solely on own task, sensitive but can be assertive) - striped possum (independent and private, only enjoys close friends, polite and tactful, incredibly curious and inquisitive, active, obsessive, can be stubborn) - pygmy possum (very anxious and sensitive, likes to keep busy but isn't assertive or domineering, alert and observant, planners and perfectionists) - mahogany glider (independent but like having a tight-knit group, values privacy and can be defensive, likes to stay busy, very focused and efficient, routine-oriented and anxious with change)

other marsupials - greater glider (independent and private but socially tolerant, quiet and passive aggressive, routine-oriented and likes to have a plan, specialized and sensitive to change, dedicated and focused) - kowari (socially flexible; comfortable being independent but also has a close-knit group, specialized but extremely opportunistic and passionate in their niche, observant and alert) - opossum (independent and not easily attached to others, adaptable, opportunistic, passive and sensitive, defensive and prone to bluffing, laidback and easy-going, curious)

eulipotyphla - hedgehog (independent and socially selective, slow to trust but incredibly loyal, anxious and conflict-avoidant, likes being busy but easily discouraged)

xenartha - hairy armadillo (independent but socially tolerant, plans ahead, goal-driven and determined, sensitive and habitual, unobtrusive, cautious, willing to be defensive, communicative) - nine-banded armadillo (habitual people who like to have a plan, also capable of being adaptable and not too fussed by change, socially tolerant and even-tempered, passive, needs personal freedom) - silky anteater (independent, peaceful, quiet and private, low energy and slow and steady, routine-oriented and loyal, dutiful, thorough, passive, anxious and prone to burn out) - tamandua (introverted and values alone time, private, independent, habitual and routine-oriented, tends to be stubborn, intuitive and observant, conflict-avoidant and dislikes change)

coendous - brazilian porcupine (independent and self-supporting, works best alone, still rather tolerant and friendly, confident in self, dutiful but slow and steady, go with the flow and flexible) - mexican tree porcupine (independent and self-supporting, tolerant and socially flexible, works best alone, calm, very driven and likes to complete things, confident and direct, adaptable)

pholidota - indian pangolin (introverted and independent but tolerant, shy and conflict-avoidant, specialized and likes staying in their niche, particular, intuitive and focused, slow and steady workers) - tree pangolin (introverted and independent but tolerant, very private, specialized and likes staying in their niche, laid-back, patient, flexible, not terribly organized, dedicated, stubborn, defensive when pressed) - ground pangolin (introverted and independent but tolerant, specialized but willing to take life as it comes, very private, dedicated and focused, resilient, laid back, quiet)

monotreme - platypus (independent and like to do their own thing, perceptive and observant, particular, conflict-avoidant, focused and diligent, can be sensitive, perfectionists, anxious streak)

lutrinae - marine otter (introverted but can enjoy socializing with a select few, non-judgmental and playful, cooperative, route-oriented, procrastinators and unambitious, confident, flexible and adaptable, unbothered) - north american river otter (sociable and playful, still enjoy their alone time, prone to loneliness, intuitive and expressive, easy-going, self-assured, loyal, curious, affectionate, carefree) - eurasian otter (independent but friendly and open-minded, doesn’t like to commit, values warmth and compassion, communicative, boundary-keeping, intuitive and perceptive, easily distracted, passionate, spontaneous)

giraffidae - giraffe (social but individualistic, values freedom and independence, caring, particular and fickle, expressive, patient and relaxed, can be confident and competitive, more so values a calm environment) - okapi (independent but socially tolerant, intuitive and empathetic, habitual, patient and diligent, cautious, defensive and proud when pushed, stubborn, anxious, guarded)

tapirus - baird’s tapir (introverted but values close bonds, guarded, private, loyal, slow and steady, conflict-avoidant, habitual and routine-oriented, committed and persistent, resilient, curious) - mountain tapir (introverted but values close bonds, very anxious and private, boundary-keeping, sensitive and defensive when pushed, resilient and enduring, conflict-avoidant, curious) - malayan tapir (introverted but values close bonds, thick-skinned, guarded and boundary-keeping, steady workers, routine-oriented but adaptable, conflict-avoidant, observant, determined)

bovidae - red-flanked duiker (introverted and independent, is more loose-bonding and private, adaptable but prefers routine, cautious, wary, boundary-keeping, reactive, very anxious, conflict-avoidant, secretive) - blue duiker (introverted but attached to close friends, loyal, wary of strangers, boundary-keeping and defensive, adaptable, conflict-avoidant, observant, anxious and easily stressed) - kéwel (very introverted and private, overall tolerant and easygoing, values small group of friends, passive, habitual and routine-oriented, withdrawn, non-judgmental, quiet, tactful) - lesser kudu (introverted but socially tolerant, easy-going and gentle, empathetic, conflict-avoidant, sensitive, observant, private, opportunistic, enduring, typically polite but has a stubborn streak) - sitatunga (introverted but values friends and can be prone to loneliness, habitual, conflict-avoidant, passive, communicative, slow to trust, more loose-bonding, anxious, quiet, tactful) - klipspringer (independent but attached to their group of friends, loyal, empathetic and affectionate, assertive and willing to stand up for self and others, protective, tactful and cautious - but stubborn) - cape bushbuck (independent and introverted but tolerant, values close friends and is selectively loyal, unassertive, easygoing, passive, habitual and needs stability, quiet, tactful and polite, mellow)

cervidae/moschidae - tufted deer (introverted and independent, prefers one-on-one interactions, proud streak, assertive but prefers to be conflict-avoidant, habitual, sensitive and anxious, observant and aware, stubborn, private, tactful) - marsh deer (introverted but socially tolerant, shy and sensitive, private and independent, wary, guarded, easily stressed, conflict-avoidant, habitual and routine-oriented, specialized, peaceful) - musk deer (independent and introverted, socially selective, slow to trust, guarded, boundary-keeping, easily stressed and overwhelmed, conflict-avoidant, shy, habitual, low energy and work ethic)

strigiformes - barn owl (introverted but socially tolerant, loyal to loved ones, habitual though adaptable to change, plans ahead, perceptive and aware, passive, empathetic and understanding, patient, shy, anxious streak) - boreal owl (very introverted and values quiet time, dutiful and dedicated, patient, focused and perceptive, cautious, aware, private, anxious, plans ahead, tactful and polite) - elf owl (socially flexible but selective, loyal and communicative, values peacefulness and cooperation, unobtrusive, plans ahead, resourceful and opportunistic, patient, anxious and sensitive)

galliformes - chukar partridge (socially flexible and loyal, understanding, empathetic, protective, boundary-keeping, adaptable and hardy but insecure, open, honest and expressive, curious and opportunistic) - gambel’s quail (introverted but socially flexible, affectionate and committed, anxious, passive, sensitive, detail-oriented, perfectionistic, conflict-avoidant, averse to change, more confident in comfort zone) - montezuma quail (introverted but social, prone to loneliness, shy and private, conflict-avoidant, vulnerable to stress, routine-oriented, habitual, open-minded, slow and steady workers, dutiful)

ursidae - sun bear (independent and introverted but tolerant, opportunistic, intuitive, conflict-avoidant, willing to be defensive and assertive if pushed, adaptable and flexible, non-planners, self-assured) - moon bear (introverted and socially selective, tends to be loose-bonding, communicative, go-with-the-flow, adventurous, reactive, opportunistic and impulsive, low energy, reserved, open-minded) - sloth bear (very independent and introverted, thick-skinned, habitual, lost in their own world, adaptable, low energy, confident, calm, tolerant, dedicated but the slow and steady type)

wild canidae - maned wolf (independent, autonomous, loyal and dependable to loved ones, values freedom, guarded and private, communicative, boundary-keeping, defensive, flexible, curious, routine-forming, anxious) - raccoon dog (introverted but devoted to loved ones, cooperative, slow to trust, selfless, calm and even-tempered, conflict-avoidant, unobtrusive, quietly passionate, hard-working and dutiful) - culpeo (independent and socially selective, adaptable, spontaneous and not inclined to plan, communicative, generalists who don't like to be pinned down, opportunistic, dutiful, curious) - patagonian fox (introverted and independent, socially selective, dutiful, committed, close-bonding, cooperative, dependable, habitual, a generalist, corner-cutting, self-assured, observant) - gray fox (introverted and independent, appreciate company of close few, loyal and caring, empathetic, cooperative, cautious, adaptable, plans ahead, tactful and polite, compliant, patient, slow to trust)

domestic canidae - chow chow (introverted and socially selective, loyal to few friends, empathetic, slow to trust, assertive and defensive, private, stubborn, low energy, self-assured, serious, blunt) - shar pei (introverted and socially selective, loyal to select few, empathetic and caring, independent, stubborn streak, boundary-keeping, assertive and private, low energy, devoted, reserved) - french bulldog (sociable but low energy, friendly and approachable, caring, loyal and devoted, prone to loneliness, stubborn streak, curious and playful, protective, emotional, strong-willed, security-seeking) - lhasa apso (introverted and socially selective, loyal to loved ones, communicative, caring but reserved, stubborn, determined, protective, confident, low energy and calm, possessive, opinionated) - tibetan terrier (introverted and socially selective, loyal and affectionate towards loved ones, slow to trust, low energy, observant and aware, cautious, gentle and even-tempered, reserved, sensitive, can be stubborn) - cavalier king charles spaniel (sociable but low energy, friendly and warm, approachable, relaxed and easy-going, tolerant, long-fused, people-pleaser, gets stressed and burnt out easily, dependable, dutiful, loyal and empathetic)

felidae - serval (very introverted and independent, highly specialized, intuitive, willing to be adaptable, conflict-avoidant, patient, efficient, focused and obsessive, manipulative, aware, confident, tactful, perfectionistic) - jaguarundi (independent, socially tolerant but also retains an essential degree of privacy, very passive and unassertive and tactful, communicative, resourceful, cautious and intuitive, looks before they leap)

feliformia - brown hyena (socially flexible but independent and self-reliant, resourceful, curious and dedicated, adaptable, stubborn, conflict-avoidant, prone to manipulation and bluffing, expression, self-confident, competitive) - striped hyena (introverted and socially tolerant, more independent and loose-bonding, reserved, passive, conflict-avoidant, versatile, mediators, impulsive and not a planner, passive-aggressive, amicable) - fossa (introverted and independent, expressive and communicative, cooperative when it suits their ambition, problem solvers, quick minds, specialized, on the confident side)

viverridae - african civet (introverted and independent, conflict-avoidant, adaptable and resourceful, guarded, private but willing to be communicative, hardy, self-assured, stubborn, persistent, self-preserving) - common palm civet (independent and introverted, private, guarded, tactful and unobtrusive, adaptable but prefers to be specialized, flexible, non-planners, routine-oriented, will be defensively manipulative) - masked palm civet (introverted and independent, private, guarded, adaptable and resourceful, impulsive and spontaneous, honest, defensive and reactive, somewhat insecure, quietly competitive, boundary-keeping, curious) - common genet (independent and introverted, guarded, defensive and private, adaptable, communicative and expressive, self-assured, patient and calm, passive-aggressive, hardy, self-preserving) - cape genet (independent and introverted, boundary-keeping, tactful and cautious, expressive, willing to be defensive, adaptable, self-assured and typically confident, assertive) - binturong (independent and introverted, patient, long-fused, procrastinator, self-assured, expressive and communicative, flexible, calm and carefree demeanor, hardy, stubborn, approachable)

serpentes - green tree python (independent and withdrawn, passive, observant, very sensitive, internal, private and guarded, conflict-avoidant, habitual and desires a plan, low energy) - children’s python (introverted and independent, still passive but more anxious, more opportunistic and willing to seek out opportunities, low energy, insightful, corner-cutting but a perfectionist with the result) - rough-scaled python (independent and withdrawn, very habitual, passive, and low energy similar to the green tree python, secretive and private, low energy, extremely easy-going and patient) - asian rock python (very independent and introverted, passive, low energy, hard workers but prone to burnout and abandoning projects, conflict-avoidant, easy-going and submissive, prone to bluffing, secretive, sensitive) - green anaconda (independent and introverted, loose-bonding, detached, socially selective, dedicated and focused, prone to burnout, patient and low energy, can procrastinate, habitual, generalists, value completion) - corn snake (independent and introverted, passive, patient, defensive and cautious, low energy, procrastinator, highly adaptable and flexible, observant and perceptive, compliant, apathetic, self-preserving) - flying snake (introverted and independent, loose bonding, socially tolerant, sensitive and observant, conflict-avoidant, specialized, inflexible, persistent and determined, withdrawn, unobtrusive, cautious) - ringneck snake (introverted and independent but socially tolerant, agreeable, communicative, conflict-avoidant, the type to plan ahead, habitual, cooperative, patient, opportunistic, low energy, focused)

insecta - atlas moth (passive and perceptive, conflict-avoidant, intuitive, introverted but socially tolerant, compliant and unobtrusive, patient, unambitious, low energy and relaxed) - death’s head hawkmoth (passive and perceptive, independent and easily drained, spontaneous, flexible and persistent, intuitive, capable of manipulation, anxious, withdrawn, polite but can be unreliable) - silkworm moth (passive and perceptive, extremely specialized and habitual, gets very anxious outside of their comfort zone but within it is confident and productive) - muslin moth (passive and perceptive, more generalists and not interested in being specialized, very sensitive to their environment, naturally curious but doesn't like permanent change) - oak eggar (passive and perceptive, happily adaptable and flexible and not bothered by change, active and likes to keep busy, curious and committed to their interests) - luna moth (passive and perceptive, independent and introverted but tolerant, polite, conflict-avoidant, low commitment, perfectionists, scattered work ethic, modest, secretive, anxious, easily stressed) - ladybug (socially flexible; loves having a friend group but needs independence, spontaneous and fickle, curious, cautious but adaptable, erratic work ethic, impatient, sensitive) - orchid mantis (extremely independent and introverted, patient and passive, quiet, low energy, easy-going and compliant, specialized, observant and aware, idealistic, sensitive)

anura - wood frog (quiet, sensitive, habitual, though willing to be competitive and opportunists, highly adaptable and self-preserving) - spadefoot frog (quiet, sensitive, willing to a degree to be competitive and opportunists, very withdrawn, anxious and stressed easily, habitual) - spring peeper (generally withdrawn and sensitive, though importantly competitive and opportunists, determined and driven with goals, wants to impress others)

urodela - tiger salamander (introverted and independent, socially tolerant and easy-going, passive, open-minded, private, a little awkward, anxious, quietly competitive, opportunistic, security-seeking, sensitive) - fire salamander (introverted and independent, extremely shy and secretive, unobtrusive, anxious, conflict-avoidant, particular and sensitive to their environment, habitual, amicable, passive, planners) - spotted salamander (introverted and independent, loose-bonding, self-focused and preserving, determined, good work ethic, habitual and routine-oriented, adaptable, straightforward, sensitive to surroundings) - hellbender (introverted and independent, boundary-keeping, private, observant and alert, self-preserving and focused, habitual, doesn't like change, opportunistic, self-assured)

aquatic mammals - harbor porpoise (introverted but socially tolerant, loyal to a select few, peaceful, sensitive and timid, conflict-avoidant, wary, quietly competitive, obsessive, curious, cooperative and dependent, anxious, habitual) - finless porpoise (introverted and shy, tends to be independent, gentle, patient and cautious, curious but look before they leap, adaptable, slow-starting but determined and focused, sensitive) - minke whale (introverted but socially flexible, gentle and approachable, independent, passive, laid-back, flexible, reserved, conflict-avoidant, patient, intuitive, self-assured, long-fused, enduring) - beluga whale (sociable, communicative, adaptable and flexible, patient, light-hearted and easy-going, curious, cooperative, communicative and expressive, security-seeking, agreeable) - manatee (introverted but socially tolerant, generally aloof, self-assured, intuitive, sensitive and passive, flexible, low energy, peaceful, non-committal, agreeable, polite, indecisive, long-fused)

[wigmund]

From Australian Geographic Image of the Week; July 23, 2018:

Who’s Been Sleeping In My Bed? Chris Robertson

This week’s reader photo of a Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) being woken up by some noisy Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus moluccanus) was captured by Chris Robertson.

The common brushtail possum is the most widely distributed large possum species in Australia, and like most possums, they are nocturnal. They usually make a home in the hollow limbs of trees in areas of woodlands and open forests, like in this image – but can be sometimes found making a home in your roof!

Share your own photography and it could be featured on Australian Geographic online! You can submit your images to us directly HERE

[opossum-pet]

Love this post? See more here >> I Fucking Love Possums <<

Tags: opossums, possum, possums, possum core, opossum awareness & advocacy, wild life, animals, mammals, possum australia, phalangeriformes, cute animals, marsupial, possum or opossum, do possums bite, possum diet, what do possums eat, possum australia

[urbanspellcraft]

.... OPOSSUMS AND POSSUMS ARE DIFFERENT SPECIES WHAT SCHOOL TAUGHT ME NOTHING. (save me from my impeding existential crisis) ~Richtor / sylvaetria

But they are pronounced the same, and are both marsupials! Opossums (didelphimorphia) are the species from North America, and possums (phalangeriformes) are different species of marsupials that are found in places like New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea & a few other places. Not anything I learned in school either, trust me! LOL!

[animalids]

Waigeo cuscus (Spilocuscus papuensis)

Photo by Chien Lee

[animalids]

Spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus chrysorrhous)

Photo by Chien Lee

[animalids]

Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Photo by Alan Cressler