What adaptation allows the female bandicoot's pouch to avoid dirt ingress while foraging?
Answer
Its orientation opens toward the rear.
The female bandicoot possesses a marsupial pouch, which is a critical feature for rearing young. Uniquely, this pouch is adapted to open towards the rear of her body. This specific orientation is a vital adaptation that serves a practical function during the bandicoot's fossorial, digging lifestyle. When the animal uses its strong feet and nose to excavate soil and search for underground food sources like larvae and worms, the rearward opening ensures that dirt, mud, and debris are prevented from entering the pouch, thereby keeping the developing young safe and clean.

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