Quarter-ton marsupial roamed long distances across Australia's arid interior, reveals 3D-scanning study flinders RSocPublishing
They have named a new genus of diprotodontid Ambulator, meaning walker or wanderer, because the locomotory adaptations of the legs and feet of this quarter-ton animal would have made it well suited to roam long distances in search of food and water when compared to earlier relatives.
The largest species, Diprotodon optatum, grew to the size of a car, weighing up to 2.7 tons. Diprotodontids were an integral part of Australian ecosystems until the last species became extinct about 40,000 years ago.During the period when Ambulator keanei was alive , there was an increase in grasslands and open habitat as Australia became drier. Diprotodontids likely had to travel much greater distances to obtain enough food and water to keep them going.
"Diprotodontids are what we call plantigrade, meaning their heel-bone contacts the ground when they walk, similar to what humans do. This stance helps distribute weight when walking but uses more energy for other activities such as running."
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