Comparative limb myology of two opossums, <i>Didelphis</i> and <i>Chironectes</i>

Abstract

A comparative study of limb morphology indicates that the osteological and myological differences between Didelphis virginiana, the Virginia opossum, and Chironectes minimus, the water opossum, may be associated in Chironectes with decreased resistance to water and increased mechanical advantage of its muscles for increased force. Limb myology is described and a synonymy of terms is applied to the musculature of these two opossums.