Evolution of Australian Biota Essay Example

or were intentionally introduced to regions beyond their original habitat.

The Southern Cassowary, an endangered species with a small population in the wild, has developed a digestive system that can handle toxins found in specific fruits it consumes. While both the Southern Cassowary and the popular emu share similarities, telling them apart can be challenging due to variations among individuals, limited specimens available for study, and age-related discrepancies. Another notable marsupial is Diprotodon Optatum, commonly referred to as the giant wombat - it held the title for being the largest known marsupial.

The giant wombat, known as Diprotodon optatum, is estimated to have lived up to 250,000 years ago according to the oldest fossils found in the plicoene deposit at Fishermans Cliff, New South Wales. Despite co-existing with Aboriginal people for over 20,000 years, the exact reasons for the extinction of Diprotodon remain unclear and contradict the 'blitzkrieg' model of extinction upon human arrival. This massive creature could reach impressive sizes, measuring up to 3.8 metres in length and 1.7 metres wide at the shoulders.

The giant wombat preferred semi-arid plains, savannahs, and open woodlands but was not commonly found in hilly, forested coastal areas. However, it was also known for its preference for coastal locations. Many experiments have confirmed the relation between the Diprotodon Optatum and the Common Wombat, based on similarities in their feet, skull, and jaw shapes. B) The sources used for this assessment were reliable and valid. I cross-checked all sources to ensure data alignment, and if discrepancies arose, I delved deeper into the topic. I primarily relied on reputable websites such as museums rather than relying on sites like Wikipedia. C)