Organism · Marsupials
Diprotodon optatum
Source time context (not species duration) · ≈ 2.58–0.0117 Ma
Inferred life reconstruction
Diprotodon optatum
Overview
Diprotodon optatum is a giant marsupial with a large belly and pillar-like legs. A pair of forward-pointing lower incisors also stands out. This mammal reveals a different body form from Pleistocene Australia.[1]
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Key facts
Its feet are described as small relative to its large body and turned inward. Seen together with its pillar-like legs, they reveal proportions unlike those of familiar large mammals. Its forward-projecting lower incisors also contribute to its distinctive appearance.[1]
Time and place
It is known from Pleistocene Australia. The Pleistocene spanned approximately 2.6 million–12,000 years ago. Late Pleistocene strata in present-day South Australia also preserve diprotodontid footprints.[1][2]
The time range describes source context, not the complete duration of this species.
Size, form and skeleton
A large belly is supported by pillar-like limbs. The feet are small and face inward, while a pair of lower incisors projects forward. Considering the head, trunk, and legs together reveals a different body plan among large marsupials.[1]
The Australian Museum’s size entry describes an animal reaching approximately 3.8 m from head to tail.[3]
According to the same size entry, shoulder height reaches 1.7 m.[3]
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Habitat and reproduction
It is described as a large plant-eating marsupial. Its front teeth, large body, legs, and feet are considered together to explore its way of life. Comparing bones and footprints helps investigate how its large body met the ground.[1]
Fossil discovery
Besides skeletons, fossil footprints linked to diprotodontids are known. FU2803 at Flinders University is presented as forefoot and kidney-shaped hind-foot impressions. Evidence different from postcranial bones allows the feet of large marsupials to be studied.[2]
References
Research questions
How did small feet support such a large body? Researchers compare limb bones, foot arrangement, and footprint shapes together. Different kinds of fossils broaden questions of body structure to the relationship between movement and the ground.[1][2]
Observation
Move your gaze from the projecting lower incisors to the large trunk and pillar-like legs. Looking down to the small feet reveals this marsupial’s characteristic proportions.[1]
Related organisms
Thylacoleo carnifexMarsupialsSource time context (not species duration) · ≈ 2.58–0.0117 MaDifferent bodies among marsupials
Explore the bodies and backgrounds of Diprotodon optatum and Thylacoleo together. Diprotodon optatum is a giant marsupial with a large belly and pillar-like legs. A pair of forward-pointing lower incisors also stands out. Thylacoleo carnifex is an ancient carnivorous marsupial from Australia, characterized by a short, heavy head, large incisors, and cheek teeth that cut like scissors.