Kangaroos stand as the ultimate symbol of the Australian outback. You instantly recognize their powerful hop and pouches, but their biology is far more complex than it appears. Uniquely, they are ancient survivors that have adapted to one of the harshest environments on Earth. For instance, they possess a tail that acts like a limb and a reproductive system that can pause time. Consequently, these marsupials are marvels of evolutionary engineering. Finally, let’s explore the bouncing giants of the south.
Kangaroos
Female kangaroos can pause their own pregnancy in a process scientists call embryonic diapause. Remarkably, they can freeze the development of an embryo until their current baby leaves the pouch.
They possess a tail so strong that it functions as a fifth leg. Therefore, when moving slowly, they plant their tail on the ground to push their body forward.
Surprisingly, kangaroos swim excellently and use their tail to steer in the water. Furthermore, they can move their hind legs independently while swimming, which they cannot do on land.
They use a terrifying defense strategy where they lead predators into the water. Once chest-deep, they hold the attacker underwater until it drowns.
Research suggests that most kangaroos are naturally left-handed. Specifically, they use their left paw for grooming and feeding in about 95 percent of cases.
They physically cannot walk backwards due to the shape of their legs and thick tail. Consequently, Australia chose them for the official coat of arms to symbolize a nation that always moves forward.
Newborn joeys are shockingly small and undeveloped at birth. In fact, they are the size of a jellybean and must crawl blindly into the pouch to survive.
They have a unique cooling system because they cannot sweat like humans. Instead, they lick their forearms until the saliva evaporates to cool their blood.
Male kangaroos, which people call boomers, rely on their tails during boxing matches. They balance their entire weight on the tail to deliver a powerful double-kick with their legs.
Their teeth undergo a rare process experts call marching molars. Eventually, worn-down teeth fall out of the front of their mouth as new ones move forward to replace them.
Scientists do not call a group of kangaroos a herd or a pack. Instead, people refer to a social gathering of these animals as a mob, a troop, or a court.
The Red Kangaroo can leap incredible distances in a single bound. Specifically, they can cover over 25 feet [7.6 meters] of ground when moving at full speed.
They are ruminants that eat grass like cows and sheep. However, their stomachs contain different bacteria that produce much less methane gas during digestion.
Humans often hunt them for their meat, which experts consider very healthy. Furthermore, it contains high levels of protein and incredibly low levels of fat compared to beef.
If a predator chases a mother, she may eject her joey from the pouch. Although this seems cruel, it reduces her weight so she can escape and breed again later.
