Common Opossum (Noun)
Meaning
Omnivorous opossum of the eastern United States; noted for feigning death when in danger; esteemed as food in some areas; considered same species as the crab-eating opossum of South America.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The common opossum is a nocturnal animal that can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas.
- In some parts of the United States, the common opossum is considered a delicacy and is hunted for its meat.
- When threatened, the common opossum will often "play dead" by falling to the ground and remaining motionless, a behavior known as thanatosis.
- The common opossum is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on a wide range of plants and animals, including fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
- Despite its reputation as a pest, the common opossum plays an important role in its ecosystem, helping to control populations of insects and other small animals.