Scientists say that giant kangaroos weighing up to 250kg may have been able to hop despite their massive size, challenging long-held assumptions about these prehistoric creatures' locomotion.
Researchers believe that modern kangaroos' impressive jumping ability can be attributed to the strong, high-tension Achilles tendon and sturdy heel bones. However, some scientists had previously questioned whether giant kangaroos could have hopped, citing concerns about the risk of tendon snapping due to their massive size.
In a new study published in Scientific Reports, Dr Megan Jones and her team used fossil evidence from various giant kangaroo species to estimate the strength of Achilles tendons and heel bones. The results suggest that all these prehistoric kangaroos had ankle structures capable of supporting hopping movements, despite their enormous weight.
While some researchers have suggested thicker tendons could make hopping less feasible, Jones' team found that relatively thick tendons are still possible without compromising jumping ability in certain species, such as kangaroo rats. This contradicts the notion that giant kangaroos would be unable to hop due to tendon thickness.
However, the study does not rule out the possibility that these massive creatures might have used hopping less frequently or over shorter distances to reduce stress on their joints. It also suggests that they may have reduced stresses by hopping more slowly.
Critics of the study emphasize that while the research provides valuable insights into giant kangaroo biology and locomotion, it doesn't necessarily confirm that these animals hopped long distances across the landscape like modern red kangaroos.
Researchers believe that modern kangaroos' impressive jumping ability can be attributed to the strong, high-tension Achilles tendon and sturdy heel bones. However, some scientists had previously questioned whether giant kangaroos could have hopped, citing concerns about the risk of tendon snapping due to their massive size.
In a new study published in Scientific Reports, Dr Megan Jones and her team used fossil evidence from various giant kangaroo species to estimate the strength of Achilles tendons and heel bones. The results suggest that all these prehistoric kangaroos had ankle structures capable of supporting hopping movements, despite their enormous weight.
While some researchers have suggested thicker tendons could make hopping less feasible, Jones' team found that relatively thick tendons are still possible without compromising jumping ability in certain species, such as kangaroo rats. This contradicts the notion that giant kangaroos would be unable to hop due to tendon thickness.
However, the study does not rule out the possibility that these massive creatures might have used hopping less frequently or over shorter distances to reduce stress on their joints. It also suggests that they may have reduced stresses by hopping more slowly.
Critics of the study emphasize that while the research provides valuable insights into giant kangaroo biology and locomotion, it doesn't necessarily confirm that these animals hopped long distances across the landscape like modern red kangaroos.
! Who knew giant kangaroos could hop with such ease? I mean, we've always been taught they're built for speed and jumping, but it's crazy to think that massive creatures might be able to bounce around like, well, like us 
. It makes me wonder if other big animals back in the day had similar abilities or were just super efficient at moving their bodies 
. I'm curious to see what other surprises this research brings! 
. I think its awesome that scientists are still trying to figure out how these massive creatures moved around - its like they're solving a puzzle from history. And the idea that they might have hopped less frequently or slowly to avoid stressing their joints is kinda genius 
. Idk if they'll ever find fossils of them doing laps on the Outback, but I'd love to see what other secrets these ancient animals hold! 
I mean, think about it, a 250kg kangaroo hopping around... it's mind-blowing! 
. This study is like, totally fascinating! 
The study shows that even with giant kangaroos, the ankles could still handle the stress.
But at the same time, I kinda trust these researchers and their methods, you know? They did seem pretty thorough in their analysis 
... And it's not like we're talking about them hopping around with, like, huge loads or anything 
. Maybe they just adapted to their size in some way that we don't fully understand yet 
? I guess only time (and more research) will tell 
...
. It's interesting that they think giant roos might have hopped less often or at slower speeds to avoid straining their joints, makes sense if you ask me 
. The fact that modern kangaroos' impressive jumping ability can be linked back to the strong Achilles tendon and sturdy heel bones is pretty cool too 
That'd be some epic wildlife doco material 
. still cool to learn more about these prehistoric critters tho 
Giant kangaroos, like 250kg, were prob still able to hop lol! I mean, our modern roos are all about that hopping life, so why not their ancient counterparts too? 
So, if the researchers say their ancient knees were just fine and could handle all that jumping, then why are people still questioning it? Shouldn't we be celebrating our cool ancestors' awesomeness instead of worrying about tendon snapping 
?
from what i read, smaller tendons might not be a big deal for certain species like kangaroo rats anyway, who knows maybe they hopped less 4 shorter distances 2 avoid joint stress 
That's so cool! The fact that their strong Achilles tendons and sturdy heel bones made all the difference. 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to know more about these prehistoric bouncers? The idea that they might have been able to hop despite their massive size is mind-blowing. And it makes total sense that their strong Achilles tendons and sturdy heel bones would allow them to do so. It's all about finding the balance, right? Like, maybe they didn't hop as much as modern kangaroos, but still got the job done. I'm loving how this study is shedding new light on these fascinating creatures 
.
. Who knows what other secrets these fossils hold?
Still mind-blowing that we get to learn more about what our ancestors were capable of! 