Human beings live every day with the understanding of our own mortality, but do animals have any concept of death? It’s a question that has long intrigued scientists, fueled by reports of ants, for ...

Philosopher Susana Monsó's book Playing Possum, newly translated into English next month, makes the strong case that many animals big and small understand the concept of death. Reading time 8 minutes ...

“Playing Possum,” a new book by the philosopher Susana Monsó, explores the mysteries of grief and mourning in the animal world. By Jennifer Szalai When you purchase an independently reviewed book ...

The Virginia opossum, according to John Smith—that explorer of all things Virginia—“hath a head like a Swine, & a taile like a Rat, and is of the Bignes of a Cat.” Had Smith looked closer, he might ...