How are Jerboas like Kangaroos?

Answer 1

Similarities between kangaroos and jerboas

• They are both mammals, i.e. warm blooded, fur-covered vertebrates which breathe air using lungs.
• Both kangaroos and jerboas have long tails and short forelimbs.
• Both creatures use a hopping motion as they have long, powerful hind legs built for jumping rather than running.
• Both animals tend to be nocturnal.

Differences between kangaroos and jerboas

• Kangaroos are marsupials and jerboas are rodents.
• Kangaroos are endemic to Australia, while jerboas are found in Asia and northern Africa.
• Jerboas are desert-dwellers; kangaroos are not. Kangaroos may be found in the semi-arid areas of Australia, but not in the desert. They need regular water, so live in bushland and grasslands where there are rivers, creeks and waterholes.