The muscular anatomy of many species of Australian wildlife is still poorly known, and this has implications for the ability of scientists to make interpretations and predictions about the behaviour of extinct animals. One aspect of kangaroo anatomy that is not well understood is the arrangement of the muscles of the neck, and how these might relate to head posture and behaviour. This project will involve dissecting kangaroo and wallaby cadavers to locate, describe and measure the muscles of the neck that connect to the back of the skull; and secondly, to determine how differences in this anatomy might relate to the habitual postures and behaviours of different species, via direct observation and analysis of photos from various sources.

For more information on this project, please contact Natalie Warburton: N.Warburton@murdoch.edu.au