Sugar Gliders Evolution and Common Ansestors

Question
QUESTION: I have a school project on Sugar Gliders and am having a hard time to find some of the adaptations that the sugar glider went through. The only thing i can really find are how to care for your pet and that kind of stuff. If you could help me that could really be great!

ANSWER: Hi Ryan,

How old are you?  Are you in fourth grade?

Interestingly enough, Sugar Gliders are quite primitive animals. They have a fascinating reproductive system.

If you look at the glider's body, you can see many of its adaptations.  The large eyes developed for seeing in the dark.  The claws and shape of the arms are perfect for tree climbing.  Their ears are large so that they can hear predators from far away.  Their fur keeps them warm, and they can even go into a semi-hibernation if it gets very cold.  Gliders have sharp teeth, sharp claws, and make a very scary sound to frighten away predators.  Their long bushy tails make perfect rudders to help them balance and steer when they glide.  They have two long, strong, sharp bottom teeth for digging into tree bark in search of sweet sap.  

Sugar Gliders are fascinating.  Try doing an Internet search to find more information.  You could try glideruniversity.com for more information about gliders in the wild.

Good luck with your project.  Please let me know if you need more information.  If you do a really good job, maybe your teacher and parents will let you publish the report on my website!

nc.sugar.gliders.googlepages.com

Betty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: 7th grade, Do you know any of its comomon ansestors? I found that the kangaroo is realated to the Sugar Glider but thats all i can find so far. I am making a video of it, as of its the most intresting... better than powerpoint or oral presentation. Some of the common ansestors would be great. That is my loop hole right now :) Can't seem to find it. For life science FYI.... Very boring... one of the more intresting species though, someone suggested it and i looked it up and apparently people are keeping it as pets.

Answer
Ah, seventh grade. I am a teacher, and I know that animal adaptations is a fourth grade topic.

You would definitely be interested in learning of gliders' reproductive system.  It is very primitive.  Sugar Gliders are related to possums.

Yes, I raise Sugar Gliders.  They are very interesting.  For being so small, they are vicious little predators.  I once had one hunt, kill, and eat a full sized mouse!  This is not recommended for pet gliders, though.

I'll see what I can find about glider ancestry.  Try this link:

http://www.glideruniversity.org/

Later...

Betty