For centuries, possums have been an integral part of the Australian ecology. They are an important part of the food chain, providing food and shelter to a variety of Australian animals, as well as being a source of nutrition for humans. But what many people don’t realise is that possums were around even during the ice age! This article will explore the fascinating world of ice age possums and the secrets they hold.
The History of Possums During the Ice Age
Possums have existed for millions of years, with fossils of the earliest known species, Pseudocheirus peregrinus, dating back to the early Miocene era, some 23 million years ago. During the Pleistocene period (from 1.8 million years to 11,700 years ago), possums were widespread throughout the Australian continent, but their numbers began to decline during the peak of the last glacial period – the last ice age – some 20,000 years ago.
At this time, sea levels had dropped significantly, resulting in a land mass that was much larger than it is today. This made it easier for possums to travel between different parts of the continent, as well as providing a more diverse range of environments in which they could live. This enabled possums to colonise a wide variety of habitats, including rainforests, open woodlands, grasslands and even deserts.
The Different Types of Ice Age Possums
During the ice age, possums belonged to two main groups: the Pseudocheiridae and the Phalangeridae. The Pseudocheiridae were the first to appear and are believed to have evolved from tree-dwelling marsupials. They are characterised by their long, prehensile tails and their climbing ability. The most common species of this group was the Ringtail Possum, Pseudocheirus peregrinus, which is still found in Australia today.
The second group, the Phalangeridae, appeared later and is believed to have evolved from ground-dwelling marsupials. These possums were smaller than their Pseudocheiridae relatives and were characterised by their short tails, which they used for balance while climbing trees. The most common species of this group was the Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, which is still found in Australia today.
The Role of Possums in the Ice Age Ecosystem
Possums played an important role in the ice age ecosystem. They were an important food source for larger predators such as the Thylacine, which was a large carnivorous marsupial that predated on possums. In addition, possums were also an important source of nutrition for humans, providing them with a reliable source of protein. Possums have also been known to eat plants, fruits and even insects, making them an important part of the food chain.
Possums were also important to the environment, acting as dispersers of seeds and helping to regenerate the landscape. They also provided shelter for smaller animals and helped to control the population of certain pests such as rats, rabbits and possums.
The Fate of Ice Age Possums
The fate of possums during the ice age is still somewhat of a mystery. It is believed that their numbers declined significantly during the peak of the ice age, as the environment became colder and drier. It is also possible that humans hunted them for food, as evidence of stone tools and bone fragments have been found in fossil deposits.
Since the end of the ice age, possums have been making a comeback and their numbers are now increasing steadily. They are now found throughout Australia, although their numbers are still much lower than they were during the ice age.
Conclusion
The ice age was a fascinating and mysterious period in our planet’s history. Possums were an important part of this era, providing food and shelter to a variety of animals and helping to shape the environment. Although their numbers declined during this period, they have since made a comeback and are now a common sight in the Australian landscape.
