There are many similarities and differences between kangaroos and wallabies. Wallabies are not just short kangaroos.
There are similarities, such as their fur, their pouch for babies, and their big feet.
There are differences, such as the size of their legs, and their teeth.
Below is a table that shows the similarities and differences between kangaroos and wallabies.
| KANGAROOS AND WALLABIES | |
| SIMILAR | DIFFERENT |
| Kangaroos and wallabies are mammals. | Kangaroos have large, long legs – wallabies have shorter legs and are more compact. |
| Kangaroos and wallabies are marsupial mammals. | Kangaroos are built for speed – wallabies are built for agility. |
| Kangaroos and wallabies are endothermal (they can control their body temperature). | Kangaroos weigh between 340 grams and 90 kilograms (12 ounces – 200 pounds) – wallabies weigh between 2-24 kilograms (4-53 pounds). |
| Kangaroos and wallabies have vertebrae (backbones). | Kangaroos grow between 21 centimeters and 2.1 meters (8 inches – 8 feet) – wallabies grow between 30-104 centimeters (12-24 inches). |
| Kangaroos and wallabies are covered in insulating fur. | Kangaroos have sharp curved teeth – wallabies have flat teeth. |
| Kangaroos and wallabies are macropods (big footed animals). | Kangaroos are grazers – wallabies are browsers. |
| Kangaroos and wallabies cannot move their feet separately – they hop. | Kangaroos shed their premolar teeth – wallabies keep their premolar teeth permanently. |
| Kangaroos and wallabies cannot move backwards. | Kangaroos generally have a coat of fur of one color – wallabies have two or three colors in their coat of fur. |
| Kangaroos and wallabies are mainly ground dwellers. | |
| Kangaroos and wallabies are native to Australia. | |
Kangaroo
Swamp Wallaby
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM