Are Wombats And Marmots Related To Each Other?

　　The wombats are burly, ground-dwelling marsupials from Australia. They do share a resemblance to the marmots of alpine Europe – both animals are great burrowers and they both have a similar pattern of teeth. Like marmots (and all other rodents), wombats have no canine teeth, but they do have large, strong incisors that grow continually to make up for a high rate of wear. Both animals also chew with same characteristic sideways movements. They are, however, completely unrelated separate species.

　　Wombats have thick-set, heavy bodies, large heads, short muzzles, small eyes and short ears. Their short, powerful limbs are well adapted for burrowing. All the toes on their forelimbs, and four on each of their hindlimbs, are equipped with powerful claws for digging. They have poor eyesight but good smell and hearing - like most animals that live underground.

　　Wombats are active by night and spend the daytime in their burrows sheltering from the fierce Australian sunshine. The burrows are up to 50cm wide and may stretch for 30m in length. They have several entrances and a number of inner chambers that keep cool during the day but are warm during winter nights.