BREAK A LEG: COULD PROCOPTODON GOLIAH HOP?

The bipedal hopping of Procoptodon goliah was studied using mathematics and computer simulations to evaluate the effect of height and weight on saltation. Preliminary research was conducted to see if Procoptodon goliah could achieve bipedal hopping mathematically. Calculating the peak force that occurs when saltation occurs in macropod, these results were than compared to the amount of force needed to break its femur. Computer simulations may reveal if any minor injuries could occur in the process of hopping. All simulations and analyses were used to evaluate the assertion that Procoptodon goliah’s weight and height exceeded the safe threshold for saltatory locomotion, and help further understand the evolutionary significance of bipedal hopping in macropods.