How does the male opossum mate with female opossum?

Male and female opossums mate through a process known as "cloacal" or "genital" kissing. Both male and female opossums have a cloaca, which is a single opening that serves as a common passageway for the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of how male and female opossums mate:

1. Courtship: During the breeding season, the male opossum will court the female by chasing her, sniffing around her, and making various sounds.

2. Scent Marking: The male opossum will mark his territory and the female with a musky scent to attract her and communicate his interest.

3. Cloacal Kissing: When the female is receptive, she will lower her body to the ground and present her cloaca. The male opossum will then align his cloaca with hers and engage in a process known as cloacal kissing.

4. Penile Erection: During cloacal kissing, the male opossum's penis becomes erect and is inserted into the female's cloaca. The penis of an opossum is relatively long and forked at the tip, allowing for internal fertilization.

5. Sperm Transfer: The male opossum transfers his sperm into the female's cloaca during the cloacal kiss. The sperm then travel through the female's reproductive tract to fertilize the eggs.

6. Separation: After the successful transfer of sperm, the male and female opossums separate. The female opossum will carry and give birth to her young without any assistance from the male.

Opossums are known for their high reproductive rate, with females giving birth to multiple litters per year. The gestation period for opossums is relatively short, lasting around 12-13 days, and the female can produce up to 20 young in a single litter.