Research on prehistoric giant kangaroos (Protemnodon) in Queensland reveals a surprising finding. Despite their immense size (up to 170kg), these megafauna exhibited a remarkably small home range near Mt. Etna, unlike their modern counterparts. Analysis of fossilized teeth indicates they remained within a limited area, likely due to a stable rainforest environment providing ample food and protection. However, this restricted range proved detrimental when climate change caused rainforest decline, leading to their extinction around 280,000 years ago. This study, using strontium isotope analysis of teeth, offers new insights into megafauna extinction patterns.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.