I often wonder how certain clades came into being. Clades form to satisfy environmental niches. As a niche clades (divides into smaller and smaller niches), so do the flora and fauna in those newly formed environmental clades.
Most times it’s easy to follow the evolutionary back-and-forth because these things always change together. Sometimes clades needs to catch up, which is when new subclades form, and most times environmental changes are slow, millennial long processes at their quickest. Even geologic activity signals its intentions long in advance if one pays attention.
The Wild always pays attention. It must if it’s to survive, cladistically or otherwise.
So I wonder about Opossum.
I’ve made reluctant friends with a few. They have sharp pointy teeth, you know, and aren’t afraid to use them (see And Now for a Little Opossum Butt and The Magnificent Oaps). Quick to temper, slow to retreat, they sometimes remind me of bad cops.
I’ve seen Opossum eating side by side by side with raccoons and skunk, and the latter are always on their guard.
But usually Opossum show up, everybody else stays away.
Hmm…
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