A marsupial is a type of mammal that is known for carrying and nursing its young in a pouch. This unique feature is most commonly seen in animals like kangaroos and koalas. Marsupials are primarily found in Australia and nearby islands, although some species, like the opossum, can be found in the Americas. They give birth to relatively undeveloped young, which then continue to grow and develop in the safety of the mother's pouch.
Marsupials have a variety of adaptations that help them survive in their environments. For example, kangaroos are excellent jumpers, using their powerful hind legs to travel long distances in search of food. Other marsupials, like the wombat, are known for their burrowing