In this article, we’ll answer the question:
“Why are kangaroos so buff?”
First, you’ll find a short summary explaining why kangaroos are so muscular, then learn important details about the strength of their arms and legs. There’s also information about what the biggest and strongest kangaroo species is on the planet.
Kangaroos are a marsupial from the family Macropodidae in the order Diprotodontia and are indigenous to Australia and New Guinea.
Why Are Kangaroos So Buff?
Kangaroos are buff because kangaroos are genetically predisposed to have muscular bodies. The buff skeletal muscles of a kangaroo allow this marsupial to conduct a wide range of movements and functions for travel, asserting dominance, and protecting themselves against predators.
According to the Journal of Experimental Biology, “Total skeletal muscle mass [is high for Red Kangaroos] around 50% of body mass, and [is] concentrated around the pelvis and lower back.” This value places kangaroos among the most muscular of all mammals in the animal kingdom.
Why Do Kangaroos Have Such Strong Arms?
Kangaroos have strong arms because kangaroos arms are built for fighting. Kangaroos use punching as a method of self-defense against other animals and to establish dominance to win a mate – a practice called boxing, which requires strong arms.
Do Kangaroos Show Off Muscles?
Kangaroos do show off muscles by striking poses that show off the biceps of their arms. Kangaroos primarily use this muscular posture to influence sexual selection among females.
According to research published in the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, male kangaroos show off arm muscles that are used for male-to-male combat to help attract females during sexual selection. The forelimbs of male kangaroos are an important sexually selected trait, making a well-developed musculature of the biceps and upper body attractive for mates.
How Hard Can a Kangaroo Punch?
A kangaroo can punch with 275 pounds of force.
How Hard Can a Kangaroo Kick?
A kangaroo can kick with 759 pounds of force.
What Is the Biggest and Strongest Kangaroo?
The biggest and strongest kangaroo is the red kangaroo (or Osphranter rufus). The red kangaroo is the largest terrestrial mammal native to Australia, and the largest extant marsupial.
Learn More About Kangaroos
Now that you know more about kangaroos and why they are so buff, you may also be interested in these other educational guides on these marsupials:
- What do kangaroos eat?
- What eats kangaroos?
- Are kangaroos dangerous?
- Are kangaroos friendly?
- How high can a kangaroo jump?
Kangaroos So Buff Summary
You now know why are kangaroos so buff.
As you discovered in this guide, kangaroos are buff because kangaroos are genetically predisposed to have muscular bodies to conduct a wide range of movements and functions for travel, asserting dominance, and protecting themselves against predators.
I’m the lead editor and writer for Animal Answer Guide. I enjoy sharing expert knowledge on the various characteristics of common species within the five distinct groups of animals: amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.
