Is the O in opossum silent?

The O in "opossum" is spelled but not pronounced. It is a silent letter, just like the H in the word "honest." The articles "a" and "an" are correctly based on the first pronounced letter, not simply the first letter.

Does possum have a silent O?

'Opossum,' O Lovely 'Possum' Both possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America. In common use, possum is the usual term; in technical or scientific contexts opossum is preferred. Opossum can be pronounced with its first syllable either voiced or silent .

Why is the O silent in possum?

People in this region do not usually pronounce the “O”. Possums are native to Australia. When English explorers first met the Australian creature, they thought it looked like the North American Opossum. As a result, they called it a possum and recorded the name like North Americans would pronounce it (without the “O“).

Why is there an O in front of opossum?

“Opossum” was first recorded in 1610. The shortened form “possum” is known from 1613. From that time until today, many people drop the “o” and pronounce the word “possum.” Later, when English explorers who had seen the opossum reached Austalia, they observed animals with a similar appearance.

Is it an or a opossum?

It's pronounced possum most of the time when it's pronounced, unless it's being cited in Latin or by reading something. But, either way, if it starts with a pronounced vowel (if the O is pronounced at all) then the article is an; otherwise it's a.

Wild Opossum Playing Dead (Fremont, California)

What is the plural for possum?

The plural form of possum is possums. E.g. ''There are two possums in my apple tree. ''

What does an American opossum sound like?

The North American opossum makes a hissing sound or a low growl when threatened or angry and a clicking sound to attract the attention of their young. Young opossums often make a sneezing sound. Opossums are usually silent, so there is generally more than one if you hear them in your house.

Are opossums blind?

They're not blind.

Contrary to popular belief, opossums aren't blind at all. They just have terrible eyesight during the day. Their pupils are always dilated, and as nocturnal animals, an opossum's eyesight improves drastically at night.

Do possums bite?

Just like any scared animal, it's possible for opossums to bite in defense. If they feel cornered or threatened, opossums will use several escape strategies ranging from playing dead to hissing. Biting is rare, but people should avoid contact with all wild animals to eliminate the risk.

Where did the opossum get its name?

In North America, the animal officially called an opossum is a white and gray marsupial of the order Didelphimorphia. English colonists living in Jamestown derived the word from its equivalent in Powhatan, a language spoken by the Virginia Algonquian tribe. Literally, the word means “white dog or beast” in Powhatan.

Can opossums be pets?

Short-tailed opossums have grown in popularity as exotic pets over the past few years. They are very good pets for beginners due to their cleanliness, omnivorous diet, and general good health. These opossums are small, friendly creatures with easy care requirements—and they're cute!

Are possums deaf?

Like all marsupials, possums have pouches and give birth to live young. These newborns are no bigger than honeybees and are typically blind and deaf. To complete their development, young possums must crawl from the birth canal into their mother's pouch, where they will compete for a teat.

Are opossums smart?

Opossums Are Smart Critters

For one, they have a remarkable ability to find food and to remember where it is. When tested, opossums outscored rats, rabbits, cats, and dogs — but not humans. 2 They also can find their way through a maze more efficiently than rats and cats.

Do possums eat cats?

Opossums do not prey on cats or other larger mammals but will attack them if cornered, or if competing for food. Opossums cause loss to home gardens by eating nuts, berries, fruits, and grapes. They eat pet food left outside and may raid compost bins.

Why do possums make weird noises?

A resident male brushtail possum will also make a loud throaty call to warn other males that are found within its home range (listen to the recording available on the species profile on this website).

What sound does a possum make in distress?

Opossum Noises

These pests will make clicking noises when they're trying to attract mates and hissing or growling sounds when they feel threated.

Do possums scream?

Researchers have documented 18 different brushtail possum sounds. These include “grunting, growling, hissing, screeching, clicking and teeth-chattering calls, many of which would not be out of place on a horror movie soundtrack”. Common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) live across much of suburban Australia.

Which is correct octopuses or octopi?

The three plurals for octopus come from the different ways the English language adopts plurals. Octopi is the oldest plural of octopus, coming from the belief that words of Latin origin should have Latin endings. Octopuses was the next plural, giving the word an English ending to match its adoption as an English word.

What do you call a group of opossums?

A group of opossums is called a passel. They have a whopping 50 teeth in that hungry mouth, more than any other land mammal in North America. Opossums are excellent climbers, thanks to a prehensile tail and “thumbs” (called hallux) on its feet that help it keep a grip.

What do you call more than 1 moose?

Meese? Despite what a certain honking bird whose singular form rhymes with that of "moose" might suggest, the plural of "moose" is not "meese." It's just "moose." One moose, three moose, a herd of moose.

Are opossums safe?

Opossum are not aggressive: their open-mouth, defensive hissing is merely a bluff to look vicious. And if that doesn't work they play dead when really scared! If there is an opossum in the backyard, don't worry. They aren't a threat, and more than likely they will be moving on in a short while.

Do people eat possum?

The Opossums have been living on the delicacies of the season, and are now in fine order, and some are found excessively fat; a double enjoyment is anticipated, the fun of catching and the pleasure of eating this excellent substitute for roast pig.

Do opossums play dead?

Playing dead is the most effective way they have to protect themselves against predators. Most predators don't want to eat an animal that's already dead. So, they usually move on if they see an opossum's lifeless body on the ground. Playing dead is an involuntary response on the part of the opossum.

Are possums smart or dumb?

Opossum intelligence? Yes, despite their undeserved reputation for stupidity and a brain that is only one-fifth the size of a cat's, opossums are better at remembering where food is hidden than are dogs, cats, or rats.