A recent study from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) explores how Australia’s changing climate helped shape the kangaroos and wallabies we see today. The research shows that modern kangaroos didn’t just pop up after the rainforests shrank—their evolution took place over millions of years in response to environmental pressures.
Key Findings:
- Kangaroos evolved during two significant periods: one about 7-9 million years ago with increasing dryness, and another around 5-4.5 million years ago when grasslands began to spread.
- The kangaroo family tree shows that most modern kangaroos and wallabies belong to the “Macropodines,” which emerged as habitats became more arid and diverse.
- Large herbivores that once roamed the land, except for wombats, went extinct, making way for kangaroos and wallabies to thrive.
Researcher Clelia Gauthier mentioned that they combined genetic data from various species with Australia’s fossil record. This approach revealed that the evolution of kangaroos was more complex than previously understood. “They diversified as dry habitats arose, favoring their unique adaptations like hopping,” she explained.
Professor Matthew Phillips added that environmental changes shifted the competitive landscape. As conditions became tougher, the energy-efficient adaptations of kangaroos and wallabies became advantageous.
The study highlights important patterns in kangaroo evolution:
- The first wave of evolution aligns with increasing dryness.
- The second phase corresponds with the rise of grasslands, enabling a burst of diversity among kangaroo species.
This research aligns with findings from various experts in evolutionary biology. Recent discussions in scientific circles emphasize that climate change and habitat shifts play significant roles in shaping species. The approach taken by QUT’s researchers could influence how we understand animal adaptation in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
For more details, you can read the full study in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.
