Fig. 6.26.

The first Antechinus was named in 1803, and the first Phascogale in 1793, shortly after European settlement of Australia. Initially, other genera, such as the dunnarts (Sminthopsis), were grouped within the same genus with Antechinus. We now know that in fact phascogales (Phascogale) and antechinuses are sister genera, both exhibiting a spectacular annual male die-off at the end of the breeding period. Dunnarts are less closely related to either of them. In this artist’s early impression, the dunnart is at the top (note the fattened tail), the antechinus in the middle, and the phascogale at bottom. This artistic work was one of many made during the voyages of HMS Erebus and Terror. Source: Wikimedia Commons.