A new study shows that an ancient giant kangaroo that lived in Australia 50,000 years ago likely hopped, challenging previous ideas about the species. Scientists previously believed that Protemnodon goliah, the giant ancestor of modern kangaroos, could not jump because of its heavy weight.

But the new study shows that this creature, which lived in the Pleistocene era, may have been capable of making short jumps. This research was published in Scientific Reports, reported the ABC News.

Previous research had indicated that giant kangaroos weighing more than about 350 pounds are too heavy to jump and that the motion could rupture their heels, Megan E. Jones, a University of Manchester researcher and lead author of the paper, told ABC News.

Jones said giant kangaroos and their jumping style have long been debated because they were much larger than modern kangaroos.

Jones also said that most jumping mammals, whether small rodents or marsupials, are lighter than 7 pounds. Modern kangaroos, which can weigh up to 200 pounds, are also noted for their exceptional jumping ability.

Jones reported that P. goliah could have weighed up to 550 pounds, more than twice the weight of modern kangaroos.

She also pointed out that it may not be correct to think that the body of giant kangaroos had the same proportions as modern kangaroos.

Source:Ndtv