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Marsupials are mammals belonging to the infraclass Metatheria, characterized by their reproductive system where newborn young, known as joeys, complete their development attached to teats within the mother's pouch. They are native to Australia, New Guinea, and the Americas, with diverse species such as kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, possums, and opossums. Distinctive features of marsupials include their fur-covered bodies, four legs, and often a long tail for balance. They vary in size, diet, and habitat, with some being arboreal, terrestrial, or semi-aquatic. Their young are born at an early stage of development, called altricial, and continue to grow and develop within the pouch, receiving milk and protection from their mother until they are mature enough to live independently.