“Possum” vs. “Opossum”: What’s the Difference?
Jun 7, 2023
Engram
The difference between “possum” and “opossum”
- Possum is native to Australasia, while opossum is native to North and Central America.
- Possum has a furry tail, while opossum has a hairless prehensile tail.
- Possum is primarily a nocturnal animal that feeds on insects, while opossum is a scavenger that feeds on carrion.
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What is the definition of “possum” and “opossum”?
Possum
- A marsupial native to Australasia, resembling a large rat with a bushy prehensile tail and thick fur.
- It is a nocturnal animal that feeds on insects, small animals, and fruit.
- Possums are widely regarded as pests because they can cause damage to gardens, crops, and buildings.
Opossum
- A mammal native to North and Central America, also known as the Virginia opossum or simply possum.
- It is the only marsupial native to North America, with a hairless prehensile tail, a pointed snout, and white-grey fur.
- Opossums are known for their ability to play dead, or "play possum," when threatened, and are scavengers that feed on insects, fruit, and carrion.
Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?
“Possum” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Possum
17,000,000 results on the web
Examples
- The possum climbed up the tree to escape the dog.
- She saw a possum in her backyard and was surprised by its cute face.
- The possum has a prehensile tail that helps it balance on trees.
Opossum
8,600,000 results on the web
Examples
- The opossum is the only marsupial in North America.
- She found an opossum playing dead in her garden, which was fascinating to watch.
- The opossum has sharp teeth that allow it to eat a variety of foods.
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