Newborn kangaroos are born tiny, blind and embryo-like, but scientists say their arms develop early so they can crawl to the mother’s pouch and survive

Newborn kangaroos are born tiny, blind, and embryo-like, but their forelimbs develop early to enable crawling to the pouch.

University of Melbourne lead author Dr. Axel Newton's study in Science Advances reveals marsupial forelimbs develop much earlier than previously thought.

Within minutes of birth, a joey climbs unaided from the birth canal to the mother's pouch, where it latches onto a nipple to continue developing.

Unlike placental mammals, marsupials give birth after a short pregnancy, so their young are born at an equivalent earlier developmental stage.

Strong, fully formed forelimbs are critical for survival, allowing the underdeveloped newborn to crawl to the teat immediately after birth.