MARSUPIALIA. 



561 



Kangaroos " form the genus Fetrogale, and inhabit the moun- 

 tainous regions of North-western Australia. 



The Kangaroo-rats (Hypsiprymnus) differ from the true Kan- 

 garoos chiefly in their smaller size, and in the presence of well- 

 developed upper canines (fig. 239, B), and in having scaly 

 tails. They are diminutive nocturnal animals, and they live 

 mostly upon roots. 



c. Carpophaga. Intermediate between the Kangaroos and the 

 typical members of the present section (the Phalangers) is the 



Fig. 239. A, Dentition of a carnivorous Marsupial (Thylacinus) , showing the long 

 and pointed canines and the trenchant molars and praemolars. B, Dentition of a 

 herbivorous Marsupial (Hypsiprymnus), showing the flat-crowned molars. (After 

 Owen.) c Canine teeth ; it Incisors. 



Phascolarctos the " native sloth " or " bear " of the Australian 

 colonists and the "koala" of the natives (fig. 238). This curi- 

 ous animal is about two feet in length, having a stout body, 

 covered with a dense bluish-grey fur. The tail is wanting ; and 

 the feet are furnished with strong curved claws, which enable 

 the animal to pass the greater part of its existence in trees. In 

 this it is greatly assisted by the fact that all the feet are pre- 

 hensile, the hallux being opposable, and the digits of the fore- 

 limb divided into two sets, the thumb and index-finger being 



2 N 



