New research on prehistoric giant kangaroos, specifically Protemnodon, indicates they had surprisingly small geographic ranges compared to modern kangaroo species. Analyzing fossil teeth from a Queensland site revealed these massive creatures, some weighing up to 170kg, lived mainly near their cave habitats. This adaptation suggests stability in their environment, as they remained close to the areas rich in rainforest leaves. However, this limited range may have increased their vulnerability to extinction as climates changed, contrasting with the mobility seen in modern large kangaroos.
Despite their size expectations, giant kangaroos like Protemnodon had surprisingly small home ranges, remaining near fossil sites in Queensland, indicating a lifestyle much like modern homebodies.
Analysis of fossil teeth reveals Protemnodon kept to close quarters, living and dying near caves, suggesting a stable environment and low mobility, unlike modern large kangaroos.
Dr. Scott Hocknull remarked that these gigantic kangaroos were simply chilling at home, indicating a stable environment and showing how they had adapted to this niche.
Protemnodon's limited geographic range raises concerns about its extinction risk amid environmental changes, emphasizing the impact of habitat stability on survival.
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