"Uncovering the Unique Walking Abilities of Australia's Extinct Marsupial Giants"

TL;DR Summary
Scientists have discovered the remains of Ambulator keanei, an extinct quarter-ton marsupial that roamed Australia during the Pliocene epoch. The newly described species belonged to the Diprotodontidae family and had a body plan similar to a bear or rhinoceros. Its unique walking style, which evenly distributed its weight, may have enabled it to walk long distances in a rapidly changing ecosystem. The discovery sheds light on the mysteries surrounding other extinct marsupials, including the largest ever marsupial, Diprotodon optatum.
- Quarter-ton marsupial that ambled across Australia 3.5 million years ago was 'unlike anything alive today' Livescience.com
- This 500-pound Australian marsupial had feet made for walkin’ Popular Science
- Meet the Diprotodon's ancestor, the original big flat-footed marsupial New Atlas
- Australian scientists identify first long-distance walkers using 3D scanning WION
- The Strange Walk of This Extinct Marsupial Giant Was Perfect For Roaming ScienceAlert
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