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Biography

Diprotodon is an extinct genus of gigantic quadrupedal marsupial native to Australia during the Pleistocene epoch. Diprotodon meaning in Greek "two forward teeth".[1] The genus is currently considered monotypic, containing only Diprotodon optatum, the largest known marsupial to have ever existed.[2] It is considered one of the core species of the "Australian megafauna", which ranged throughout the continent during the Pleistocene. Diprotodon existed from about 1.6 million years ago until extinction some 44,000 years ago.[3] Diprotodon species fossils have been found in sites across mainland Australia,[n 1] including complete skulls, skeletons, and foot impressions.[1][better source needed] The largest specimens were hippopotamus-sized: about 3 m (9.8 ft) from nose to tail, standing 2 m (6.6 ft) tall at the shoulder and weighing about 2,790 kg (6,150 lb).[5][6][n 2] Diprotodons may have been depicted on Aboriginal rock art images in Quinkan traditional country (Queensland, Australia).[7][8] Diprotodon became extinct sometime after 44,000 years ago, after the initial settlement of the continent; the role of human and climatic factors in its extinction are uncertain and contested. Diprotodon is a member of the extinct family Diprotodontidae. The closest surviving relatives of Diprotodon are the wombats and the koala, and so Diprotodon have sometimes been referred to as "giant wombats" in the popular press.[9] Diprotodonts are suggested to have inspired legends of the bunyip, as some Aboriginal tribes identify Diprotodon bones as those of "bunyips".[10]