Australian faunal subregion

views updated Jun 11 2018

Australian faunal subregion A region that is distinguished by a unique marsupial (Marsupialia) fauna, including herbivores, carnivores, and insectivores. These evolved in isolation from the placental mammals (Eutheria) which now dominate the other continental faunas. In addition to marsupials there are also very primitive mammals (Monotremata), the spiny ant-eater and the platypus; and small rodents which are relatively recent (probably Miocene) immigrants.

Australian faunal subregion

views updated Jun 11 2018

Australian faunal subregion A region that is distinguished by a unique marsupial (Marsupialia) fauna, including herbivores, carnivores, and insectivores. These evolved in isolation from the placental mammals (Eutheria) which now dominate the other continental faunas. In addition to marsupials there are also very primitive mammals (Monotremata), the spiny anteater and the platypus; and small rodents which are relatively recent (probably Miocene) immigrants.

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Australian faunal subregion

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Australian faunal subregion