Researchers from the universities of Manchester, Bristol, and Melbourne have concluded that the ancient giant kangaroo, estimated to weigh over twice that of its contemporary relatives, had the capability to jump when required. This finding contrasts with previous studies that claimed the extinct giant kangaroos were too heavy to move by jumping, a notion that has now been challenged. The study has implications for our understanding of the biomechanics and evolution of marsupials in Australia.

The research published in the journal *Scientific Reports* indicates that Australian kangaroos were significantly larger in the past, with species such as the Procoptodon goliah reaching lengths of two meters and weights of 250 kilograms. This makes the size of modern adult kangaroos, which average 90 kilograms, seem minimal by comparison. The idea that such a large body size would inhibit jumping was a widely accepted belief; however, the researchers propose that these ancient kangaroos may have walked in a manner similar to humans, which challenges previous perceptions of their locomotion.

This discovery may reshape how scientists view the ecological adaptations of kangaroos and their evolutionary history. Understanding how these ancient creatures interacted with their environment can shed light on the adaptations required for survival in a changing ecosystem. Further studies could explore potential relationships between body size, movement, and ecological roles in historical contexts, contributing valuable insights into the evolutionary pathways of marsupials in Australia.