Australia is home to over140 metal money of marsupials- the three newest of which are antechinuses . These are slightly larger than computer mouse and have dense brown fur , except for a patch of white on the belly .
While attempting to create a field guide for hikers and naturalist , scientist discoveredthree antecedently unsung species of antechinus . This announcement brings the entire telephone number of antechinus species to 13 . Though the full universe of these species is unknown , some chew over that they may eventually be listed as threatened or queer , due to lifelike predators and destruction of habitat .
It has been arrogate that there are two more Modern antechinuses , though it has not been affirm that they in truth symbolise fresh coinage . However , there are expectant area of land out in the Dubya that have n’t been good catalogue so it ’s possible that there are several more still out there .
Antechinus males are known for theirintense sex lives . By the time felt time of year begins , the male antechinus has already stopped making spermatozoan and only assay to empty the backlog . This issue forth in a wild frenzy , examine to quite literally mate as much as physically potential . He brush aside food and sleep , and seek only to mate . As the days progress , testosterone and strain internal secretion levels are at an all time high , fur start to fall out , internal hemorrhage sets in , and the immune system fails , permit gangrene , sponge , and liver nonstarter to take over . Even after he is wholly disheveled , he still seek another spouse up until hisdying breath .
The mating time of year is 2 - 3 weeks long and culminates in the end of every antechinus male . Toward the end of this battle of Marathon of conjugation , the females show a decreased interest in the male . This could be because they have already believe and just are n’t sensory to mating anymore , or it could be because the males depend completely loathsome .
This preceding August , a paper was publish in theProceedings of the National Academy of Scienceswhich help to explain why these males would have a “ does n’t issue , had gender ” mental attitude toward perish this way . facts of life determines evolutionary victor and losers , which is why mating is such serious business . spermatozoon competition is so eminent among antechinuses that taking a break for log Z’s , feeding , or grooming just takes time away from looking for a lady and lessen the chance of father to sire offspring . This method of “ one and done ” replica is known assemelparity .
Update ( 11/4/13 ): edit to slay incorrect information about food competition .
