Kangaroo

Kangaroo is a common name for a group of mammals of the family Macropodidae, which includes several species that are characterized by their method of locomotion: large powerful hind legs, large feet adapted for leaping, a long muscular tail for balance, and a small head. Kangaroos are indigenous to Australia and New Guinea.

Biology and Behaviour

Kangaroos have large, powerful hind legs, large feet adapted for leaping, a long muscular tail for balance, and a small head. Like most marsupials, female kangaroos have a pouch called a marsupium in which joeys complete postnatal development.

Diet

The kangaroo is a herbivore, eating a range of plants and, in some cases, fungi. Most species of kangaroo eat grass.

Reproduction

The kangaroo has a very specialized reproductive system. Female kangaroos have a pouch in which the joey (baby kangaroo) continues to develop after birth.

Species

There are four species that are commonly referred to as kangaroos:

• The Red Kangaroo is the largest surviving marsupial anywhere in the world.
• The Eastern Grey Kangaroo is known to adapt well to humans and is considered very good to eat.
• The Western Grey Kangaroo is slightly smaller again at about 54 kg for a large male.
• The Antilopine Kangaroo can be found in the monsoonal eucalyptus woodlands of far northern Australia.

In Culture

Kangaroos are a recognizable symbol of Australia. They appear on the Australian coat of arms, on some of its currency, and are used by many Australian organizations, including Qantas, the national airline.

See Also

• Marsupial
• Wallaby
• Wombat
• Tasmanian Devil

References

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