What is a "pouch"?

A pouch is a specialized anatomical structure found in certain animals, particularly marsupials. It is a soft, external pocket of skin that is typically located on the abdomen or lower body of the animal. The pouch serves as a protective enclosure for carrying and nurturing the young offspring, known as joeys, after birth. The pouch is unique to marsupials and provides a warm and secure environment where underdeveloped newborns can continue their development and receive essential care from their mothers. The pouch is lined with mammary glands that produce milk, allowing the joeys to attach to a teat and continue their growth and nourishment. As the joeys grow and mature, they gradually spend less time inside the pouch until they eventually leave and become more independent. The pouch is a distinctive feature of marsupials and plays a vital role in their reproductive and parenting strategies.