Marsupials Flashcards
what do female marsupials have?
pouches
what supports the marsupial pouches?
epipubic bones
which species does not have a pouch?
sugar gliders
which species has an open pouch?
short tailed opossum
what type of penis do male marsupials have?
bifurcated and urinate from proximal portion
why are marsupials not spayed?
their anatomy makes the procedure complex (two lateral and one median vagina)
what are babies for marsupials called?
joeys
which species has a gliding membrane that spans from the 5th finger to first toe?
sugar glider
housing for sugar gliders
very social, NEED more than one
Arboreal
need plenty of space to hide, eat, sleep
need to be socialized or will develop self mutilation and behavioral problems
sugar glider nutrition
omnivores
leadbeater’s mix
very small amount of fruit
common sugar glider diseases
obesity
low protein (wasting)
Low blood glucose (seizures, collapse)
anemia (weakeness, paleness)
Nutritional osteodystrophy
metabolic bone disease
dietary deficiency in vitamin D3 or calcium
elevated P in diet
do sugar gliders have open rooted teeth?
NO
what are short tailed opossums used for?
skin cancer research and as pets
zoonotic disease from marsupials
Toxoplasmosis
- protozoan GI parasite
- encysts in tissues
- stray cats ingest intermediate hosts, susceptible host exposed to cat feces or undercooked meat of dead-end hosts
