Wombats Koala Possums Wallabies and Kangaroos: Diprotodontia

For the most part, diprotodonts are herbivores. Those species that do not eat leaves, fruits, and roots now, probably had ancestors that did. Many species have developed extra large or extra long digestive tracts that allow them to eat leaves and grass with low nutritional value. In addition, they have evolved behaviors that reduce their need for energy. For example, koalas sleep about twenty hours per day to conserve energy.

Some species, such as the mountain pygmy possum, feed heavily on insects. Others species eat insects, worms, and even occasionally a lizard, in addition to a mainly vegetarian diet. The honey possum has developed a long snout that allows it to feed exclusively on plant pollen and nectar.