are opossums narcoleptic?

Discussion in 'Biology & Genetics' started by sculptor, Feb 10, 2023.

  1. sculptor Valued Senior Member

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    that's it
    that's the question
    are opossums narcoleptic?
     
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  3. Seattle Valued Senior Member

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  5. sculptor Valued Senior Member

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    Care to elaborate?
    and / or
    Are you sure?
     
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  7. Seattle Valued Senior Member

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    Opossums are not narcoleptic. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects humans and other animals and is characterized by excessive sleepiness, irresistible bouts of sleep, and sudden loss of muscle tone.

    Opossums, on the other hand, are known for their ability to "play dead" or "feign death" when threatened. This is a survival mechanism called "tonic immobility" that temporarily paralyzes the opossum and makes it appear dead to potential predators. This is not the same as narcolepsy and is a normal response for opossums in certain situations.
     
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  8. Beer w/Straw Transcendental Ignorance! Valued Senior Member

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    If they are, they're doing a sucky job at it if they want to start an MMA career.

    I mean, my cat sleeps 23 hours a day, gets up periodically to eat and then, well, who knows...



    :EDIT:

    I think cats, as a domain, are responsible for most extinctions.
     

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