Dasyuromorphia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids DasyuromorphiaTemporal range: Late Oligocene - Recent
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Thylacine | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Infraclass: | |
| Order: |
Dasyuromorphia
Gill, 1872
|
| Families | |
|
Thylacinidae (extinct) |
|
Dasyuromorphia is a group of interesting marsupials. These animals are mostly meat-eaters or insect-eaters. They come in many shapes and sizes. Some look like rodents, others like shrews. You might even find some that look like cats or dogs!
This group includes the famous Tasmanian devil. Most marsupials in this group have a special pouch on their belly. This pouch helps them carry and protect their young. However, some smaller marsupial mice have only skin folds. The numbat doesn't have a pouch at all. There are 63 known species in this group. They are divided into three main families. One of these families is likely extinct today.
Contents
What are Dasyuromorphs?
Dasyuromorphs are a special kind of mammal. They belong to the group called marsupials. Marsupials are known for carrying their babies in a pouch. Most Dasyuromorphs live in Australia and New Guinea.
These animals are often predators. This means they hunt other animals for food. Some eat insects, while others hunt larger prey. They play an important role in their ecosystems.
Different Kinds of Dasyuromorphs
The Dasyuromorphia order includes many different animals. They are grouped into three families. Each family has unique features.
Dasyuridae: The Largest Family
The family Dasyuridae is the biggest group. It has 61 different species. This family includes many well-known animals.
- Quolls: These are cat-sized marsupials. They have spotted fur. Quolls are skilled hunters.
- Native cats: This is another name for some quolls. They are agile and quick.
- Marsupial mice: These are small, mouse-like creatures. They are very active at night.
- Tasmanian devils: These are the largest living carnivorous marsupials. They are known for their strong bite. Tasmanian devils are found only on the island of Tasmania.
Myrmecobiidae: The Numbat Family
The family Myrmecobiidae has only one species. This is the amazing numbat.
- Numbats: Numbats are unique insect-eaters. They mainly eat termites. They have a long, sticky tongue. Numbats are active during the day. They do not have a pouch for their young.
Thylacinidae: The Extinct Family
The family Thylacinidae also had only one species. This was the thylacine.
- Thylacine: Also called the Tasmanian wolf. This animal looked like a dog. It had stripes on its back. The thylacine is believed to be extinct. The last known thylacine died in 1936.
Where Do Dasyuromorphs Live?
Most Dasyuromorphs live in Australia. They can be found in many different habitats. These include forests, grasslands, and deserts. Some species also live on the island of Tasmania. Others are found in New Guinea.
They have adapted to many environments. This helps them survive in different places. Their varied diets also help them thrive.
