Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Red kangaroo
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Kangaroos are iconic Australian marsupials, and several species differ in size, colour, and distribution. Some general knowledge questions ask about the largest kangaroo species by body size and weight. This question focuses on identifying the common name of the largest kangaroo species in the world.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The red kangaroo is the largest of all kangaroos and the largest living marsupial. Adult male red kangaroos can stand more than 1.5 metres tall and weigh over 80 kilograms. Eastern grey and western grey kangaroos are large but generally smaller than big red kangaroo males. Antilopine kangaroos and tree kangaroos are smaller still. Thus, to answer correctly, you should recall that red kangaroo is the largest kangaroo species by size and mass.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the major kangaroo species: red, eastern grey, western grey, antilopine, and various tree kangaroos.Step 2: Recall that red kangaroos live mainly in arid and semi arid central Australia and are known for their large size.Step 3: Recognise that red kangaroos are often mentioned in records as the largest living marsupials.Step 4: Compare this with grey and antilopine kangaroos, which are somewhat smaller in body weight on average.Step 5: Conclude that the largest kangaroo species is the red kangaroo and select it as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Wildlife fact books and encyclopaedias about Australian fauna consistently describe the red kangaroo as the largest kangaroo and the largest living marsupial by body weight. Descriptions of grey and other kangaroos acknowledge their size but rank them below red kangaroos. This consistent ranking supports red kangaroo as the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: Eastern grey kangaroos are large but generally smaller and lighter than male red kangaroos.Option C: Western grey kangaroos are also big but not the largest species overall.Option D: Antilopine kangaroos are medium to large kangaroos but do not surpass red kangaroos in size.Option E: Tree kangaroos are adapted to arboreal life and are significantly smaller than the large terrestrial red kangaroos.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners see the word grey and recall images of tall eastern grey kangaroos, leading them to choose incorrectly. Others may not distinguish between individual large animals and the average size of a species. To avoid mistakes, focus on species level records: the red kangaroo is widely documented as the largest kangaroo and the biggest living marsupial.
Final Answer:
The correct answer is Red kangaroo.
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