The Australian research group has conducted the most comprehensive current analysis of the Protemnodon kangaroo species. Scientists have discovered three new species and studied the movement patterns of these animals. Currently, there are several types of kangaroos in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea, all belonging to the Macropodidae family. It is believed that during the Pleistocene era, these marsupials began to acquire characteristics for terrestrial movement. Researchers have discovered unusual forms of kangaroo, such as the Protemnodon species, which has attracted less attention due to its relatively small size.

The diversity of the Protemnodon species has not been extensively studied. Based on fossils, the Protemnodon group weighed between 50-150 kilograms, making them the largest kangaroos. Various representatives of this species had different characteristics at the end of their appendages, indicating different movement patterns. Paleontologists from Flinders University in South Australia have decided to fill the knowledge gap and investigate the paleobiology of the Protemnodon species. They have classified and described their collection, which included information about their anatomy, diet, and movement patterns.

The researchers have identified seven new Protemnodon species, each with unique characteristics in terms of size, intelligence, and walking abilities. These different forms can be called facultative quadrupedalism. The remains of this species have been primarily found in New Guinea. The other species, which were larger than P. tumbuna and P. otibandus, were found on the ground and likely used their front limbs as support and for foraging.

This article was originally published on NEWS.am.