Study Reveals Prehistoric Kangaroos Had Diverse Diets, Challenging Extinction Theories
New research suggests ancient kangaroos were dietary generalists, making them resilient to climate change, with human activity potentially playing a larger role in their extinction.
- Researchers analyzed microscopic wear patterns on 937 fossilized and modern kangaroo teeth using Dental Microwear Texture Analysis.
- Findings indicate prehistoric kangaroos were generalist feeders, consuming a mix of grasses and shrubs, contrary to prior beliefs about specialized diets.
- The study focuses on fossils from the Naracoorte Caves in South Australia, a World Heritage site with one of the richest deposits of Pleistocene megafauna remains.
- The results challenge the theory that climate-driven dietary pressures caused the extinction of many kangaroo species, pointing instead to human hunting as a likely factor.
- This research provides new insights into the adaptability of Australia's ancient ecosystems and the factors behind the extinction of its megafauna.
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