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How do kangaroos use their long tails while hopping?
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kangaroo
A group of red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) using their powerful hind legs and feet to hop.
Kangaroos utilize their long, thick tails as a vital tool for balance and energy efficiency during locomotion. When hopping, the tail swings downward as the animal's legs move backward, which helps counteract the natural pitching motion of the head and upper body, serving as an effective energy-saving device.12
Beyond its role in movement, the tail also functions as a "third leg" when the kangaroo is standing still or when it needs to stabilize itself during defensive behaviors, such as when males grapple and kick during fights for dominance.13