Kangaroo Jumping

A kangaroo can't jump unless its tail is touching the ground.

Kangaroos are the only large animals to use hopping as a means of locomotion. The comfortable hopping speed for a red kangaroo is about 20–25 km/h (12–16 mph), but speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph) can be attained over short distances, while it can sustain a speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) for nearly 2 km (1.2 mi).

During a hop, the powerful gastrocnemius muscles lift the body off the ground while the smaller plantaris muscle, which attaches near the large fourth toe, is used for push-off. Seventy percent of potential energy is stored in the elastic tendons.

At slow speeds, it employs pentapedal locomotion, using its tail to form a tripod with its two forelimbs while bringing its hind feet forward. Both pentapedal walking and fast hopping are energetically costly. Hopping at moderate speeds is the most energy efficient, and a kangaroo moving above 15 km/h (9.3 mph) maintains energy consistency more than similarly-sized animal running at the same speed. Kangaroos are adept swimmers, and often flee into waterways if threatened by a predator. If pursued into the water, a kangaroo may use its forepaws to hold the predator underwater so as to drown it.

Kangaroos are known for their unique jumping abilities, which involve height, speed, distance, and technique.

Height: Red kangaroos can jump around 10 feet high when they have plenty of momentum, but from a standing position, they can only jump between 4 and 6 feet in the air.

Speed: Kangaroos can reach speeds of around 40 mph, and their comfortable hopping speed is about 20–25 km/h (13–16 mph).

Distance: The average jump of a red kangaroo is 25 to 30 feet, but the farthest recorded leap was made by a female red kangaroo in New South Wales in 1951, covering a massive 42 feet in a single leap.

Techniques: Kangaroos use their powerful hind legs to create momentum, which allows them to jump great distances with a single leap. They also have the ability to turn almost 180 degrees in a single hop.

Kangaroos' unique body structure, including their strong hind legs, large back feet, and long, muscular tail, enables them to jump efficiently and effectively.