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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 http://diet.yukozimo.com/what-do-kangaroos-eat/ http://nativewildlifesanctuary.com/2012/04/the-evolution-of-kangaroos/ http://www.exploringnature.org/db/detail.php?dbID=5&detID=6