Kangaroos are large marsupials
that are found only in Australia. They are identified by their muscular tails,
strong back legs, large feet, short fur and long, pointed ears. Like all
marsupials, a sub-type of mammal, females have pouches that contain mammary
glands, where their young live until they are old enough to emerge.- General Statement
[Kangaroos are herbivorous, eating
a range of plants and, in some cases, fungi. Most are nocturnal but some are
active in the early morning and late afternoon. Different kangaroo species live
in a variety of habitats. Larger species of kangaroo tend to shelter under trees
or in caves and rock clefts.] Subheading: Diet and Habitat
[Kangaroos of all sizes have one
thing in common: powerful back legs with long feet. Most kangaroos live on the
ground and are distinguished from other animals by the way they hop on their
strong back legs. A kangaroo’s tail is used to balance while hopping and as a
fifth limb when moving slowly.] Subheading: Appearance, size
[Kangaroos
are social and live in groups called a mob, a herd or a troop. Kangaroos in a
mob will groom each other and protect each other from danger. If a kangaroo
suspects there is danger in the area, it will stomp its foot on the ground to
alert others. If it comes to blows, a kangaroo will box and kick its opponent.] Subheading:
Habits
[Probably
the best-known fact about kangaroos is that they carry their young in a pouch.
A female kangaroo is pregnant for 21 to 38 days, and she can give birth to up
to four offspring at one time. At birth, the baby, called a joey, can be
as small as a grain of rice, or as big as a bee, at 5 to 25 millimeters. When
the joey is born, it is guided safely into the comfy pouch, where it gestates
for another 120 to 450 days.
Inside the
pouch, the joey is protected and nurse as it grow and develop. A young joey
will remain attached to its mother while any older joey will be temporarily
kicked out. Joeys grow quickly, though, and at 14 to 20 months for females
or 2 to 4 years for males, they will be fully matured. Red kangaroo joeys do not leave the pouch for good until they are more
than eight months old.]
Subheading: Offspring
No comments:
Post a Comment