Evolutionary ecology of marsupials.

Abstract

Firstly describes the diversity of marsupial life history strategies and trophic roles. Secondly, by comparison with the eutherians, the scope of marsupial radiation is used to analyse the role of developmental constraints and adaptive radiation in determining the diversification of higher taxa. Finally, argues that the accessibility of marsupial young during their obligatory pouch life facilitates measurement, manipulation and assessment of kinship not possible in other mammalian groups. Other topics include feeding strategies, marsupial-plant mutualism, competition, island biogeography and conservation. Antechinus is used as a paradigm (sic) in evolutionary ecology. -P.J.Jarvis after Publishers