Possums and anhingas

[David Marjanovic <david.marjanovic@gmx.at>]

> Well, the comorant problem is at least moderately
> well-behaved

The textbook explanation for why cormorants and anhingas* get wet is that 
this gives them additional weight which in turn helps them to stay down. In 
short, it's an adaptation to diving. Apparently this advantage is just as 
big as the disadvantage from having to dry...

* Universally considered sistergroups within the otherwise ever-dry... hm... 
Pelecaniformes... Steganopodes... you get the idea. :-)

> Now tell me why possums don't get: stronger, prettier,
> faster, smarter, or anything else.

They already have. They can already cling to a tree branch (or to Mommy) 
with sufficient force. They can climb fast enough. Never change a running 
system!!! Smart? Is there any serious test of opossum intelligence, or just 
the general assumption "bah, they're marsupials"? And how is anyone supposed 
to measure prettiness? :o)

> Already taken: "Female possums just like the bottom of
> the barrel", and "They've fallen so far behind they
> can't catch up".

"Say never higher or lower"
-- Charles Darwin