Opossums are one of those creatures that remind you just how much of evolution is driven by the rule of “good enough.” Sure, they could have evolved to have more wrinkles on their brains, or the ability to cross the road without getting crushed, or to not look like an old scrub brush that’s way past its replacement date, but they didn’t need to, because the way they are is good enough!
Not just good enough, they fit their niche almost perfectly.
Die often? Large passals that reach maturity relatively quickly. Have to risk ingesting potent toxins? Remember what almost killed you just long enough to get away from wherever it was(roughly 2 weeks). Not built for fighting? Fake your death so convincingly, vultures don’t want to be near you. Nutrition might be scarce? Gather your feces, it will see you through.
Hell, even the fact that the Virginia Opossum can’t adapt well to extreme heat or cold is a benefit to them, the resources they’re driven to(such as actively running water, dense undergrowth for cover and foraging, and trees that can support their weight) can be scarce.
Maybe they just haven’t had the chance for further education to get some wrinkles
My brain: smooth and cute
Your brain: gross and wrinkly
We are not the same
It makes up for it by having a brain shaped like a battleship gun battery.
Now do australian possums
It’s because thay are smooth brained
Bubble gum :3
