Peering into every biological facet of the lives of these long-neglected mammals, the volume includes; introductory chapters explaining the paleontological and biogeographic context for opossum evolution; an overview of the extant fauna, which includes over 100 species in 18 genera ; a section devoted to opossum phenotypes: morphology, physiology, and behavior; detailed information on opossum natural history, including habitats, diets, predators, and parasites; in-depth and novel interpretations of opossums' adaptive radiation in a phylogenetic contextIntended for undergraduate biology majors, graduate students, and research professionals, this coherent and original portrait of opossums will be of particular interest to mammalogists, evolutionary biologists, and Neotropical field biologists as well as biomedical researchers working with Monodelphis domestica as a model organism.

Simple text and full-color photos explain the habitat, life cycle, range, and behavior of opossums.

Ever felt misunderstood? We've all been in that uncomfortable spot where we thought, "If only they knew the real me, things would be different."Opossums deserve an extreme reputation makeover. They've been called dumpster divers, disease-ridden trash cats and worse! These lovable, gentle creatures are simply shy, introverted spirits who avoid the spotlight, but as cleaner-uppers, they are essential to our ecosystem. Opossum Opposites fosters empathy and kindness for the misunderstood among us with engaging rhymes and whimsical illustrations.

Opossums fool predators by pretending to be dead. If an enemy really needs convincing, the opossum will even blow bubbles of drool out of its nose or squirt a smelly green liquid from its rear! What animal would want to eat something so gross? These are just some of the fascinating facts kids will discover as they explore the world of these tricky creatures. Large, eye-popping photos and clear, grade-appropriate text engage emergent readers as they learn all about the unique and gross ways opossums protect themselves. A section in the back of the book profiles another animal that protects itself in a similar way, to help reinforce the concept of defense mechanisms.

What has two opposable toes and is the only marsupial crawling through the forests and backyards of North America? ItÕs the opossum! These animals are often referred to as natureÕs garbage disposal, so donÕt be surprised to find one munching from the dogÕs dish or gulping down last weekÕs leftovers in the trash. Young readers will devour this fact-packed title about these creatures of the night.

An NPR Best Book of 2018! Some people can do their homework. Some people get to have crushes on boys. Some people have other things they've got to do. Seventh-grader Zoey has her hands full as she takes care of her much younger siblings after school every day while her mom works her shift at the pizza parlor. Not that her mom seems to appreciate it. At least there's Lenny, her mom's boyfriend—they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer. At school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. Her only friend Fuchsia has her own issues, and since they're in an entirely different world than the rich kids, it's best if no one notices them. Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses. Unfortunately, she's not totally invisible, and one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club. Even though Zoey resists participating, debate ultimately leads her to see things in a new way: her mom’s relationship with Lenny, Fuchsia's situation, and her own place in this town of people who think they're better than her. Can Zoey find the courage to speak up, even if it means risking the most stable home she's ever had? This moving debut novel explores the cultural divides around class and the gun debate through the eyes of one girl, living on the edges of society, trying to find her way forward.