How Did North America End Up With a Marsupial?

Marsupials, primarily found in Australia, have a rich history in the Americas. Fossil records show their origins in Asia, with significant findings in North America. Marsupials thrived in North America before going extinct, while South American marsupials diversified. The Virginia Opossum is the only marsupial north of Mexico today. Marsupials reached Australia when it was connected to South America and Antarctica. The decline of North American marsupials is debated, with theories suggesting competition with placental mammals. The opossum helps trace marsupial history.

Where was the oldest known ancestor of marsupials discovered?

• Australia

• China

• North America

• South America

Which marsupial is currently found north of Mexico?

• Kangaroo

• Koala

• Virginia Opossum

• Southern Opossum

How did marsupials spread to North America 3 million years ago?

• By swimming across the ocean

• Through the Bering Land Bridge

• Through human introduction

• Via the Isthmus of Panama

What is one hypothesis for the decline of marsupials in North America?

• Climate change

• Competition with placental mammals

• Predation by dinosaurs

• Lack of food resources

What landmass connection allowed marsupials to reach Australia?

• Isthmus of Panama

• Land bridge between Africa and Australia

• Bering Land Bridge

• Connection between South America, Australia, and Antarctica