Naked Science Forum

On the Lighter Side => That CAN'T be true! => Topic started by: Alandriel on 26/11/2007 22:10:58

Title: Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards...
Post by: Alandriel on 26/11/2007 22:10:58

..... so I'm told   [::)]  [;D]



                                  and why ever not ?????

                                                  [???] [???] [???]

Title: Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards...
Post by: neilep on 26/11/2007 23:08:10

I believe Emus can but not very well !!

I for one have witnessed first hand an ostrich walking backwards...

In fact...this is the reason why kangaroos are Australias national animal.....as a  metaphor/symbol for Australias indomitable will to move forwards only !

...at least I think it's their national animal...or is it the Koala !! ?

Title: Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards...
Post by: _Stefan_ on 27/11/2007 06:54:19

Kangaroos can certainly move backwards while fighting, so it seems likely that they can walk backwards too.

Title: Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards...
Post by: Karen W. on 27/11/2007 15:18:13

Wow That was cool. Do they do that a lot and is it friendly play or defending their place in the authority of things!

Title: Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards...
Post by: Alandriel on 27/11/2007 16:41:55

Quote from: _Stefan_ on 27/11/2007 06:54:19

Kangaroos can certainly move backwards while fighting, so it seems likely that they can walk backwards too.

Yiikes!!!!
But you know what? It strikes me that they just push and shove each another; not exactly walking/moving backwards per se - if you get my meaning.

Australia's national animal  ? well, that turned out to be an interesting one. I guess they could not decide LOL  [;D]
clickety on Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_animals)


Australia State State Animals
Western Australia:  Numbat , Black Swan 
South Australia: Hairy-Nosed Wombat, Leafy sea dragon , Piping Shrike (unofficial) 
Victoria: Leadbeater's Possum  , Weedy Seadragon  , Helmeted Honeyeater 
Tasmania : Tasmanian Devil (Unofficial) 
Australian Capital Territory: Gang-gang cockatoo 
New South Wales: Platypus, Blue groper , Kookaburra 
Queensland: Koala  , Barrier Reef Anemonefish (Clown Fish) , Brolga 
Northern Territory: Red Kangaroo , Wedge-tailed Eagle

Title: Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards...
Post by: _Stefan_ on 28/11/2007 10:09:33

Yes, but if you watch the animals' movements, you can see that they do have the capacity to move backwards. Otherwise they would fall over when pushed. You can also see them backing away from their opponent periodically. They also use their tail for support.

Karen, the fighting/boxing is territorial competition.

Title: Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards...
Post by: Bored chemist on 28/11/2007 20:19:13

What happens if they come to a cliff? Do they show common sense and turn round, or indomitable Australian spirit and keep going?

Title: Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards...
Post by: Alandriel on 05/12/2007 19:28:01

you mean... like....

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fxigre.com%2Fdatatxt%2Fmedia%2F2%2F20070523-lemmings001.jpg&hash=c4d3e1eda9560c5c1d7c6d49cfb7fdb3)

LEMMINGS  [;D]

Was it the aussies that invented that one ? !