564 MARSUPIALS xx. 3- 



perhaps they are the least modified of all therian mammals. Chiro- 

 nectes is a related South and Central American otter-like form, with 

 webbed feet. 



Fig. 339. American opossum 

 (Didelphis). (From photographs.) 



Fig. 341. Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus). 

 (From photographs.) 



Fig. 342. Tasmanian tiger cat (Dasyurus). 

 (From photographs.) 



Fig. 340. Tasmanian wolf (Thylacinus). (From photographs.) 



The bandicoots (Perameles) of Australia and New Guinea are bur- 

 rowing animals, rather rabbit-like but mainly insectivorous. They 

 have a polyprotodont dentition, quadritubercular grinding molars, 

 syndactyly of the hind toes, and an allantoic placenta. Their affinities 

 are uncertain. 



