How long do marsupials carry their young in pouch?

The length of time that marsupials carry their young in their pouch varies depending on the species. In general, smaller marsupials, such as the dunnart, carry their young for a shorter period of time than larger marsupials, such as the kangaroo.

Here are some examples of the length of time that different marsupial species carry their young in their pouch:

* Dasyuromorphia (dunnarts): 2-3 months

* Peramelemorphia (bandicoots): 2-3 months

* Diprotodontia (koalas, wombats, kangaroos): 6-9 months

Some marsupials, such as the opossum, carry their young in their pouch for a relatively short period of time, only until they are able to walk and climb on their own. Other marsupials, such as the kangaroo, carry their young in their pouch for a much longer period of time, until they are fully grown.

The length of time that marsupials carry their young in their pouch is thought to be related to the level of development of the young at birth. Marsupials that give birth to relatively well-developed young, such as the kangaroo, can carry their young in their pouch for a shorter period of time than marsupials that give birth to relatively undeveloped young, such as the opossum.