The skull of an opossum, specifically that of the common North American opossum (Didelphis virginiana), has several distinct features that make it easy to distinguish from other animals. Here are some of its key characteristics:
- Shape: Opossum skulls are relatively long and narrow, with a sharp, pointed snout. The skull is also noticeably larger in relation to body size when compared to other similar-sized mammals.
- Dentition: Perhaps the most striking feature of the opossum skull is its teeth. Opossums have more teeth than any other North American mammal, with 50 teeth in total. Their dentition includes incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, all of which are well developed. The lower incisors are typically narrower and smaller than the robust upper ones.
- Sagittal Crest: Mature males of this species often have a well-developed sagittal crest, a ridge of bone running lengthwise along the middle of the top of the skull, that serves as an attachment site for powerful jaw muscles.
- Jaw: Opossums have a robust lower jaw that is horseshoe-shaped when viewed from the front. The lower jaw bones are fused together, providing structural strength.
- Orbit: The orbits (eye sockets) are large and contained within the front part of the skull, very distinct from the temporal region.
Please be aware that this is general information and slight variations can be found among individual animals.
Learn more:
- Scientific Overview | Skullbase.info
- Facts About Opossums | Florida Museum
- Opossums: Unfairly Maligned Marsupials | The Biology Corner