Download Macropodiformes

Macropodiformes
Macropodiformes are
mammals from one of
the three suborders of
the order Diprotodontia.
Macropodiformes are all
considered to be
marsupials. A marsupial
is a mammal that is
nurtured and carried in
its mother’s pouch.
Marsupials are generally
found in Australia and
the New Zealand , as well
as New Guinea. Such
mammals of the
suborder Macropodiformes include various species of kangaroos, wallabies, bettongs , and other similar
animals such as allies and allied wallabies. It’s inhabited biome(s) are shrub lands , deserts , and grasslands ;
the biome depends on the species of Macropodiform ; some have adapted differently to fit in different
environments. For example: red kangaroos inhabit hot desert climate, while grey kangaroos live in cooler
grasslands. Wallabies similarly inhabit deserts, while some occupy shrub lands, rocky terrain , and even
swamps.
Predation and food web of Macropodiformes
*Note* the kangaroo below also represents other Macropodiformes.
Macropodiformes are all primary consumers, which means they are herbivores that feed on plants and other
vegetation such as grass , leaves , native shrubs , fruits , and berries (if available in specific habitat).
Macropodiformes are hunted by Dingo , Vultures , and Tasmanian Tigers (desert). Kangaroos are also hunted
by
humans for their fur and meat , which affects the
food web negatively ; the decrease in kangaroos causes in
increase of competition between its predators , causing a
decline in both predator and prey. This can also increase
grazing and the amount of vegetation due to the lack of
kangaroos.
Evolution, biodiversity, and adaptive radiation of Macropodiformes
Scientists estimate that kangaroos and wallabies have existed in different forms for roughly 25 million years.
Throughout the course of its existence, they have gone through structural and physiological adaptations , and
evolved into what they are today due to change in climate as well as adaptive radiation. Scientists concluded
from their examination of Macropodiform skeletons that they have evolved from a sort of smaller , fourlegged dog with large fangs and short fur. Scientists infer that they existed in more humid areas with lush
vegetation , much different than today. The dog-like creature that has since evolved into kangaroos and
different species of wallabies is said to have had an ability to climb trees. It adapted to the eventual loss of
forest (due to climate change) by having longer and more powerful hind legs , and eventually developing the
trait of hopping (very rare in mammals) to scramble and escape predators and to navigate easier in a hotter
environment with less trees. Its front legs shortened for more aerodynamics and stability when it hops.
Macropodiformes
(specifically kangaroos)
have also adapted
structurally to carrying
their young “Joey” (baby
kangaroo) in their pouch.
This pouch was said to
have not been present in
their ancient ancestors.
Macropodiformes have
also undergone adaptive
radiation from the
separation of packs into
different geographical
areas with different
climate and abiotic and biotic factors (the separation of continents severely changed the functioning of
ecosystems) There are now 60 recognized species of kangaroos in the world today ; all evolving from one
common ancestor. Obviously , adaptive radiation occurred at microscopic and macroscopic levels for this to be
possible. Diversity within Kangaroos (and wallabies) is extremely rich: some inhabit completely different areas
and feed on completely different food , and are visually diverse. Tree kangaroos , for example , are smaller ,
lighter , and have stronger hind legs and feet with long nails , giving them the ability to maneuver through
tress easily. This is the only Kangaroo that possesses the ability to do this , despite having evolved from the
same common ancestor as other Kangaroos and Macropodiformes. This proves evolution and adaptive
radiation.
http://qpanimals.pbworks.com/w/page/5925169/Kangaroo
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_kind_of_biome_does_a_wallaby_live_in#slide=5&article=What_kind_of_bi
ome_does_a_wallaby_live_in
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macropodiformes http://bird.net.au/bird/index.php?title=Potoroidae
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/wallaby/
http://wall.alphacoders.com/by_sub_category.php?id=134827
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsupial
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_classification
http://www.pocanticohills.org/cook/7thgrade/redkangaroo.htm
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http://nativewildlifesanctuary.com/2012/04/the-evolution-of-kangaroos/
http://www.exploringnature.org/db/detail.php?dbID=5&detID=6