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When did the kangaroo hop? Scientists have the answer | When did the kangaroo hop? Scientists have the answer |
(1 day later) | |
Scientists have discovered when the kangaroo learned to hop - and it's a lot earlier than previously thought. | Scientists have discovered when the kangaroo learned to hop - and it's a lot earlier than previously thought. |
According to new fossils, the origin of the famous kangaroo gait goes back 20 million years. | According to new fossils, the origin of the famous kangaroo gait goes back 20 million years. |
Living kangaroos are the only large mammal to use hopping on two legs as their main form of locomotion. | Living kangaroos are the only large mammal to use hopping on two legs as their main form of locomotion. |
The extinct cousins of modern kangaroos could also hop, according to a study of their fossilised foot bones, as well as moving on four legs and climbing trees. | The extinct cousins of modern kangaroos could also hop, according to a study of their fossilised foot bones, as well as moving on four legs and climbing trees. |
The rare kangaroo fossils were found at Riversleigh in the north-west of Queensland in Australia. | The rare kangaroo fossils were found at Riversleigh in the north-west of Queensland in Australia. |
The site is a treasure trove of animal remains, including marsupials, bats, lizards, snakes, crocodiles and birds. | The site is a treasure trove of animal remains, including marsupials, bats, lizards, snakes, crocodiles and birds. |
"It's one of the few snapshots we have of the evolution of marsupials in Australasia in deep time," said study researcher Dr Benjamin Kear, of Uppsala University in Sweden. | "It's one of the few snapshots we have of the evolution of marsupials in Australasia in deep time," said study researcher Dr Benjamin Kear, of Uppsala University in Sweden. |
Kangaroos can quickly cover large distances using their distinctive gait, which is most effective in open habitats such as deserts and grasslands. | Kangaroos can quickly cover large distances using their distinctive gait, which is most effective in open habitats such as deserts and grasslands. |
The long-held view has been that the animals evolved the ability to hop to take advantage of a change in the climate, which brought drier conditions and the spread of grasslands. | The long-held view has been that the animals evolved the ability to hop to take advantage of a change in the climate, which brought drier conditions and the spread of grasslands. |
However the research, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, suggests the story isn't that simple. | However the research, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, suggests the story isn't that simple. |
Geometric modelling shows the ancient extinct cousins of modern kangaroos could use the same range of gaits as living kangaroos. | Geometric modelling shows the ancient extinct cousins of modern kangaroos could use the same range of gaits as living kangaroos. |
Evidence, say the scientists, that the kangaroo has had the ability to hop for many millions of years. | Evidence, say the scientists, that the kangaroo has had the ability to hop for many millions of years. |
"It all points towards an extremely successful animal, that's superbly adapted to its environment and a whole range of habitats and ecosystems and it's why kangaroos are so successful today," said Dr Kear. | "It all points towards an extremely successful animal, that's superbly adapted to its environment and a whole range of habitats and ecosystems and it's why kangaroos are so successful today," said Dr Kear. |
"It's one of the most biologically weird and wonderful animals you're likely to find." | "It's one of the most biologically weird and wonderful animals you're likely to find." |
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