MAMMALS 313 



The Pouched Mammals (Marsupialia) 



The marsupials are divided into two orders (see p. 338) 

 based on differences in tiie teeth. We shall treat them here 

 as one group and give their general characters. 



The marsupials possess a pouch or fold of skin on the 

 ventral side of the abdomen called the marsupium. The 

 very short teats are on the walls of the abdomen inside of the 

 marsupium. The young are born in a rudimentary condi- 

 tion and are placed at once in the marsupium, where they 

 cling to the teats and obtain nourishment. 



Kangaroos. — There are several species of kangaroos, 

 all of which are found in Australia and the near-by islands 

 of New Guinea and Tasmania. Most of these mammals are 

 terrestrial and live in the " bush " or in open places, brows- 

 ing on the grass and tender shrubs. A few species, known 

 as the tree kangaroos, actually climb trees and live in them. 

 The largest kangaroo is the great gray kangaroo, sometimes 

 called " old man " and " boomer." The male, when in an 

 erect position on its hind legs, often measures over four feet 

 in height and weighs two hundred pounds. The animal is . 

 very timid, yet, when cornered, defends itself with spirit 

 and effectiveness. When frightened it covers from fifteen 

 to twenty feet in one leap, and can easily keep pace with a 

 swift dog. The fore legs are short, and are folded close to 

 the breast when running, all the leaping being done with 

 the strong hind legs, aided by the long, massive tail. More- 

 over, the tail acts as a balancing pole and enables the 

 animal to maintain its proper position when in mid air. 



The smallest species are the rat kangaroos, some of which 

 are only fourteen inches long. 



The milk glands of the kangaroo are situated within a 



