Why do kangaroos hop instead of walk?
Quick Answer
Kangaroos hop because their long, powerful hind legs and springy tendons store and release energy very efficiently. At moderate and high speeds, hopping uses less energy than walking would for a body of their size.
The Full Story
Kangaroos are built for saltation, or hopping, rather than the four-limbed walking style seen in many mammals. Their enlarged hind legs and elastic tendons act like biological springs, recycling energy with each bounce. This makes hopping especially efficient over open ground, where many kangaroos travel several kilometres in search of food and water. Red kangaroos, the largest living marsupials, can cover ground quickly with remarkably low energy cost at speed.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The secret spring-loaded legs that make kangaroos built for bouncing"