How do kangaroos digest tough grasses and other plant materials?

Kangaroos are herbivores that have evolved a specialized digestive system to process tough plant materials like grass, leaves, and shrubs. Because most animals lack the enzymes necessary to break down cellulose—the primary component of plant cell walls—kangaroos rely on a unique, chambered stomach.123

This stomach functions similarly to the rumen found in ruminants, providing a dedicated space for fermentation. Within this chamber, microorganisms break down cellulose into fatty acids, which the kangaroo then absorbs and utilizes as a vital source of energy. This adaptation allows them to extract necessary nutrients from vegetation that would otherwise be indigestible, supporting their survival in diverse and often harsh environments.13