The Evolution of Order Diprotodontia Introduction Marsupials belong to Class Mammalia, under Subclass Theria possess mammalian characteristics

such as warm-bloodedness, presence of mammary glands, presence of insulating hair or fur, viviparity and dentition for mechanical digestion. Bear live, immature young in their marsupium First appeared during the late Cretaceous in North America Most species are only found in Australia

Paleontological History Sinodelphys - 125 million years ago (Early Cretaceous Period) - believed to be an early ancestor of the marsupials Alphadon - Earliest marsupial ever recorded - Remains were found in North America about 80 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period The earliest uncovered fossil of Order Diprotodontia is from the Late Oligocene. Hypsiprymnodon bartholomaii - earliest identified species - from the Early Miocene Diprotodon - genus of an extinct, giant marsupial, which is closely related to kangaroos - fossil found in Australia among Pleistocene deposits - herbivorous and used all four legs for walking - the entire animal is about the size of a rhinoceros - Diprotodon australis is the only known species of this genus

Nototherium - A genus related to Diprotodon - Bones are often found with those of Diprotodon - also a giant marsupial Systematics and Phylogeny Order Diprotodontia - largest order of marsupials - includes kangaroos, wallabies, possums, koalas, gliders and wombats - have two basic characteristics: o possession of enlarged lower incisor teeth that project forward o integument that binds together the second and third digits of their hind feet Diverse in size, diet, and method of locomotion Diversification *The first mammals with the distinctive feature of reproduction exhibited by marsupials arose in Gondwanaland. *Marsupial ancestors were separated from placentals and became isolated in South America and Australia. Families of Order Diprotodontia *Pseudocheiridae -ringtails and gliders -14 species *Vombatidae -wombats -with allantoic placentae -marsupium well-developed; but it is oriented so that it opens to the rear, rather than forward as is more usual in marsupials -3 species *Acrobatidae -feathertail gliders -2 species *Macropodidae - kangaroos - Reproductive cycle characterized by period of embryonic diapause

>during which the blastocyst suspends implantation and development -Females support young of 3 litters >one in the uterus >one residing full-time in the pouch and attached to nipple >the third living out of the pouch but returning to nurse -4th toe in the hind feet >longest and strongest - 45 species *Potoroidae - bettongs, pottoroos and rat-kangaroos -diet: Fungi -closely allied with kangaroos and wallabies -9 species under 5 genera *Phascolarctidae -Koalas -Only one extant species -briefly forms a placenta during the gestation of embryo -endemic to Australia -coevolution with Eucalyptus - 1 species *Phalangeridae -Possums and Cuscuses -diet: tree leaves -marsupium well-developed and opens anteriorly -give birth to a single young per litter -10 species *Tarsipedidae -honey possums -diet: nectar -1 species *Burramyidae -Pygmy Possums -8 species Morphology Unifying characteristic: have a large pair of incisors on the lower jaw and lack canine teeth (have an empty space where the canine teeth should be) syndactyly - the second and third digits of their feet (not the claws) are fused

Diversity in Habitat found in Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and nearby islands Inhabit a wide variety of terrestrial habitats: o Grasslands o Forests o Mountains most have developed adaptations to suit their habitats e.g. diprotodont gliders in heavily forested areas - allowes them to use less energy in moving from tree to tree Speciation evolved to suit or adapt to a wide variety of environments homologous adaptations are observed between marsupials and placental mammals living in the same environment due to homologous adaptations between marsupial and placental mammals, there is completion between the two placental mammals introduced in Australia poses a threat to the marsupials

Fate of Order Diprotodontia and Marsupials in General In a few years: - continued human protection of marsupial diversity will prevent extinction - establishment of induced placental mammals in Australia will cause competition that may lead to marsupial extinction - alternatively, marsupials and placental mammals could co-exist After 200 million years formation of a new super continent: - enable the marsupials to disperse to new environments - could drive the marsupials to evolve to be able to adapt