暢談世界文化:5 袋鼠 (2/2)

So, because they have short forelimbs and long hindlimbs, they can jump easily, quickly and for long distances. Right. Taking off on their hind feet, landing on their forelimbs and tail, pushing off again with their hindlimbs. The elongated and very strong fourth toe of the hind foot serves as a lever to propel the animal along and bears the animal's weight when it stands. I see. Long legs increase the stride when hopping. Forelimbs and tails prop them up when they crawl slowly to feed. Powerful hindlimbs and a large heavy tail serve for balance and support. But tree kangaroos have shorter prehensile tails and climb rather than hop. Many kangaroo species are grazers and browsers adapted to living in dry desert habitats. Just like me! I'm always eating and gazing at what's going on around me. The desert is so dry, what can they eat? They usually eat any grass they can find, even very hard grass. They must have good, strong teeth too. Some, such as several tree kangaroos, my particular favourite, are threatened with survival, but others, like the grey and red kangaroos, have flourished and are now considered to be pests.