Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)
Classification
Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Anamalia
Phylum: Cordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Diprotodontia
Family: Macropodidae
Genus: Macropus
Species: Rufus
Red Kangaroos are classified under specific taxonomic levels because they meet certain criteria. Red Kangaroos has a membrane bound nucleus, which categorizes it under the domain Eukarya. They can be classified under the kingdom Animalia because it is multicellular, a heterotroph (must eat other organisms for energy), and lack firm cell walls (like those of plants and fungi). Red Kangaroo are part of the phylum Chordata because they posses a hollow dorsal (back side of the animal) spinal cord. It is classified under the class Mammalia because it has hair and has mammary glands that produce milk. It can be classified under the order of Diprotodontia due to their large two front teeth, pair of incisors on the lower jaw, and the fact that their feet underwent syndactyly (fusing of 2nd and 3rd digits of the foot). Red Kangaroos are classified under the family Macropodidae because they have a complex digestive system, which has a symbiotic relationship with bacteria to help break down grassy material. Another defining characteristic that classifies them under this family is the presence of two large hind legs as well as a large tail which helps with locomotion. The red kangaroo is put under the genus Macropus because this genus includes all the kangaroos, wallabies, and wallaroos. Finally, the red kangaroo is classified as the species Macropus rufus because of its reddish-brown fur and the fact that it is the largest kangaroo species. Macropus means "long foot."
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