What is a quokka?

Question from Lilly Wakefield

Like their kangaroo cousins, quokkas are marsupial mammals native to Australia. Although they have sadly been mostly eradicated from the mainland, around 10,000 quokkas still thrive on Rottnest Island off Australia’s western coast. 

Resembling a mini kangaroo with a long, rat-like tail, quokkas have garnered a reputation for being curious and friendly little critters. One of their most loved features are their adorable smiles. While they may appear to be cheerful all the time, this feature evolved as a way to help them pant and cool off in their warm habitat.


Answered by James Horton for Brain Dump in How It Works issue 120.

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