The Opossum: A Prehistoric Survivor 2004
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by TV Ontario
Director n/a
DVD , color, 30 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Science, Biology, Animal Behavior
Date Entered: 01/12/2006
Reviewed by Geetha Yapa, Science Library, University of California, RiversideOpossums are marsupials (pouched mammals) that have lived on earth since the age of reptiles, outliving the dinosaurs. They once occupied all the niches now occupied by placental mammals. This documentary is about the life of the white eared opossums and their adaptive mechanisms that enable them to survive against all odds.
The film begins with a journey through the tropical rainforests of Argentina to show their natural habitat and provides a brief introduction to the fauna and flora in the region. It includes detailed descriptions of the life history and reproductive behavior of the opossum, focusing on a mother opossum who is nursing her infants. Viewers are offered the rare opportunity to follow the development of young opossums from the stage of the newborn embryos up to a stage when they are able to leave their mother and live on their own. Also covered are other aspects of their biology including physical characteristics, feeding, predators and defense mechanisms.
Video quality and sound are very good, while narration is very clear and smooth. The Opossum: A Prehistoric Survivor will be a valuable addition to any library with biology/life sciences collections. Highly recommended.