When you turn on the TV to watch wildlife documentaries, you encounter tiny, clever insects, powerful predators, and bizarre deep-sea creatures, all of which showcase the vastness and diversity of nature. Have you ever noticed some animals with robust physiques and well-defined muscles that seem both impressive and a little intimidating? Kangaroos are prime examples; they have adorable faces but sport strong, muscular bodies. This all comes down to genetics.
The red kangaroo is the largest species in the kangaroo family and the biggest marsupial in the world. Their two front limbs and two hind legs, along with a muscular tail, allow them to move in various ways. When standing upright, they often use their tails as a "third leg" for balance. The strength of their tails matches the combined power of their hind legs, making them incredibly strong. They boast the necessary features for supporting their powerful bodies: a large heart and a high number of muscle mitochondria. In fact, the muscle mass of red kangaroos makes up half of their body weight, mostly concentrated around their hind legs and pelvis, giving them the ability to deliver powerful kicks that can injure other animals.
Kangaroos need to jump, forage, and survive in the wild, so their bodies have naturally evolved to become muscular and athletic. This is a fundamental aspect of biological evolution. Humans have also evolved into what we are today. Have you ever wondered why our brains are larger than those of other mammals? Why do we walk on two legs? Why aren’t we as muscular as kangaroos?
In simple terms, it’s because humans have evolved to be highly intelligent beings, which gives us a survival advantage over other species. Our brains account for a significant portion of our body weight compared to other animals. As for why we stand on two legs, there’s no definitive answer yet. Some scientists suggest that the expansion of savanna environments four to eight million years ago made it easier for our ancestors to forage and move around on two legs.
The mysteries of nature are far from fully understood. Does this broaden your perspective? There’s still a wealth of fascinating biological knowledge to explore. Log in to the Wild Wisdom to enhance your understanding of nature and learn how to contribute to conservation efforts. You can also join the student scheme to expand your knowledge in various areas!