Log in. The squirrel is a placental mammal, while the phalanger is a marsupial. Most have well-developed flaps of skin along the flanks; these become sails when the limbs are extended. The Australian flying phalanger is a marsupial flying squirrel. The flying squirrel of North America closely resembles the flying phalanger of Australia. It would be completely preposterous to say that flying squirrels develop from a completely random 200 mutations in the genes of a squirrel and hey, by coincidence the exact same thing happened in Australia. Squirrel gliders are often mistaken for flying squirrels of North America. Flying squirrel & flying phalanger represent the phenomenon of : Flying squirrel & flying phalanger represent the phenomenon of : Skip navigation Sign … They are tree-dwelling animals: the clawless innermost hind digit and, sometimes, the first and second Once Upon A Time 100,775 views. Its appearance, behavior, environment and diet closely resemble those of the American flying squirrel, a placental mammal. The key is to look at the selection pressure. They are similar in size and have long, bushy tails and skin folds that allow them to glide through the air. Cute Sugar Gliders Flying Eating and Playing | Compilation - Duration: 5:06. flying phalanger: 1 n nocturnal phalangers that move with gliding leaps using parachute-like folds of skin along the sides of the body Synonyms: flying opossum , flying squirrel Types: flying mouse tiny flying phalanger Type of: opossum , phalanger , possum small furry Australian arboreal marsupials having long usually prehensile tails Squirrel gliders are often mistaken for flying squirrels of North America. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. The Australian flying phalanger is a marsupial flying squirrel. The structural adaptations of the flying squirrel has developed a good sense of balance, sail-like fur skin membrane that extends from the wrists to ankles, delicate wrist bones that control this membrane, allowing the squirrel to steer, and a fluffy tail that balances out and stabilizes the flight. These two species are not related at all. Once again, it is the selective pressure that drives the mutations that survive best. The flying squirrel is a placental mammal and the squirrel glider is a marsupial like koalas and kangaroos. THE BIGGEST DOGS In The World - Duration: 10:01. Join now. The genus Petaurus contains flying phalangers or wrist-winged gliders, a group of arboreal marsupials.There are six species, sugar glider, squirrel glider, mahogany glider, northern glider, yellow-bellied glider and Biak glider, and are native to Australia or New Guinea. Secondary School. This resemblance is most likely due to _____. Beyond being cute and cuddly, flying squirrels and sugar gliders have many striking similarities: big eyes, a white belly, and a thin piece of skin stretched between their arms and legs, a trait which helps them "glide" and remain stable when leaping from high places.