Within Family Macropodidae, what separates a 'kangaroo' from a 'wallaby'?
Answer
General body size, as no precise scientific line exists
A fundamental point in macropod classification is that the common distinction between a "kangaroo" and a "wallaby" is not supported by a rigorous scientific division at the genus or tribal level. The differentiation is primarily ecological and conventional, based loosely on general size, where wallabies are typically considered the medium-to-small members. Because size can overlap—with some animals commonly called kangaroos being similar in size to larger wallabies—relying on these common names for strict taxonomic separation is inaccurate; the scientific structure relies on formal Linnaean hierarchy.
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