Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The pouch has been repeatedly gained and lost throughout marsupial evolution. While its presence is linked to K-strategist traits like larger size and smaller litters, the reasoning behind its loss remains unclear. Casali et al. (2026) suggest that pouch evolution enabled the ecomorphological diversity among marsupials. Their findings open new research avenues to investigate the costs and benefits of a pouchless state, from life-history and ecology to its genetic and developmental regulators.
Source: Evolution
Author: Jamile Bubadué
Institution: State University of Norte Fluminense
Language: English
Subfield: Paleontology
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: G1840770272, G933372841
OpenAlex ID: W4417500642