Science
Life Science

Diprotodontia (wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas)

Diprotodontia
There are 117 different species of marsupials in this order. They are only found in Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. Unlike the Dasyuromorphia and Monotremata orders of marsupials, the second and third toe on the hind feet of the marsupials in this order are joined together and they have two large incisors on their lower jaw. Like all marsupials, the females have pouches and the young are born blind, hairless, and helpless. Most of the species in this order are herbivores. Animals in this order include: wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas.

Koala
Key: profileArticle Photos Photos Video Video Audio Audio
Vulnerable Vulnerable Endangered Endangered Critically EndangeredCritically Endangered Extinct in the Wild extinct Extinct
Status taken from ICUN Redlist
 
Diprotodontia Families  
Macropodidae (kangaroos, wallabies)
Potoroidae (bettongs, potoroos, rat kangaroos)
Acrobatidae (feathertail gliders, pygmy gliders)
Petauridae (gliders, striped possums)
Pseudocheiridae (ringtail possums)

Tarsipedidae (honey possum)
Burramyidae (pygmy possums)
Phalangeridae (brushtail possums)
Phascolarctidae (koalas)
Vombatidae (wombats)
Diprotodontia Resources  
Lesson Plans
Games/Interactives
Video 		  

Websites

Order Diprotodontia profile Photos
Learn more about this order of marsupials found in Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle/High School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Introduction to Order Diprotodontia profile Photos
What do all the members of this order have in common? A large pair of incisors on the lower jaw! Learn more!
Source: Tree of Life. Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle/High School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Diprotodontia profile Photos
Learn more abou this order that includes wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas.
Source: NHPTV's Wildlife Journal Junior Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: No

The Big Red Roos Boxing Game
See how the red kangaroo fares against other Australian animals in the ring.
Source: PBS



Online Video

National Geographic Kids
Koala

Arkive Video and Images
Long-footed Potoroo
Gilbert's Potoroo
Common Brushtail Possum
Common Wallaroo
Western Gray Kangaroo
Quokka
Koala
Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat
Rufous Hare Wallaby
Huon Tree Kangaroo
Mountain Pygmy Possum
Mahogany Glider
Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroo
Spectacled Hare-wallaby
Sugar Glider
Bridled Nailtail Wallaby


Kangaroo Theme
Lesson plans, units, worksheets, clipart and more. Source: Teacher Planet

How the Kangaroo Got Its Pouch - Grades 3-5
Students create and perform a play based on an adaptation of an Australian legend about the kangaroo. Source: Education World