Connect with us

Published

on

The extinction of many kangaroo species in Australia around 40,000 years ago might have been caused more by human activities than climatic changes. Fossil evidence from ancient kangaroo teeth suggests that these animals adapted well to changing climates due to their flexible diets. This raises the likelihood that human hunting practices played a greater role in their disappearance than previously assumed. Over 90 percent of the continent’s large animal species vanished during the same period, with kangaroos making up a significant portion of these losses.

Teeth Analysis Challenges Climate Theory

According to Science News, researchers, including Samuel Arman, a paleontologist at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, studied the teeth of 937 kangaroo specimens. This included both fossilised and modern species. The study examined microscopic wear on the teeth, which provides clues about dietary habits. The findings contradict earlier assumptions that extinct kangaroos depended on limited types of vegetation, such as tough plants. Instead, the evidence suggests these animals had varied diets, making them more resilient to environmental changes.

Human Impact on Kangaroo Populations

Experts have long debated the reasons behind the extinction of Australia’s megafauna. While climatic shifts were considered a major factor, this study suggests that kangaroos had previously endured significant environmental changes and diversified into numerous species. The arrival of humans, estimated between 70,000 and 50,000 years ago, coincided with the decline of these animals. Hunting is now seen as a primary factor in their disappearance, overshadowing dietary limitations caused by climate change.

Further Research into Extinct Species

The researchers suggest that similar dental analyses could provide insights into the diets of other extinct Pleistocene mammals. This method could help determine whether dietary restrictions contributed to their extinction or if human activity played a more significant role, as seen with Australia’s ancient kangaroos.

Catch the latest from the Consumer Electronics Show on Gadgets 360, at our CES 2025 hub.


Realme Announces Republic Day Sale With Discounts on Realme GT 7 Pro, Realme GT 6T, More



Tamil Romantic Drama Miss You Starring Siddharth Now Streaming on Prime Video

Continue Reading

Science

NASA-ISRO NISAR Satellite Prepares to Deliver Sharpest-Ever Views of Earth

Published

on

By

The NISAR satellite, developed by NASA and ISRO, is ready to begin full science operations. Using dual-band radar, it will provide high-precision data on land movement, ice dynamics, vegetation, and natural hazards, supporting global research and disaster management efforts.

Continue Reading

Science

NASA’s Perseverance Rover Spots Megaripples, Proof Mars’ Soil Is Still Shifting

Published

on

By

NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered striking megaripples — giant Martian sand waves — at a site called Kerrlaguna in Jezero Crater. These formations, about a meter tall, are larger than Earth’s beach ripples but smaller than the biggest dunes. Scientists say they formed when Mars had a thicker atmosphere and stronger winds, and many now appear frozen in t…

Continue Reading

Science

Scientists Create Glow-in-the-Dark Succulents That Can Replace Lamps and Streetlights

Published

on

By

Chinese researchers have created succulents that glow in the dark using special afterglow particles. The plants can shine for up to two hours and may provide a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to traditional electric lighting in the future.

Continue Reading

Trending