The possum model is a widely used research tool in ecology and biomedical research. This model mainly uses possums as experimental subjects, so as to explore the reactions of organisms in different environmental and physiological states.
Possums are small marsupials that live in and around Australia. Due to their ability to adapt to environmental changes and their ease of farming and management, possums have been selected as model organisms in the fields of ecology and biomedicine. In ecological research, possums are an important part of the food chain, helping scientists understand their role in ecosystems, especially in predator-prey interactions.
In biomedical research, possum models are used to study the pathological mechanisms of various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases. The physiological characteristics of possums share certain similarities with humans, making them an effective alternative to laboratory animals. In addition, possum immune systems have certain similarities to human immune responses, so researchers can use possum models to study the effectiveness of vaccine development and immunotherapy.
Another important application of the possum model is its sensitivity to environmental changes. Possums are able to reflect the impact of climate change on habitats, especially in the context of global warming and habitat fragmentation. By observing possums' population dynamics and survival strategies, researchers are able to predict and assess the long-term effects of climate change on ecosystems.