Kangaroos are the largest marsupial surviving on earth today. They hop on their hind legs whilst using their large, muscular tail for balance. Kangaroos are one of the only animals that are not able to move backwards easily, and this is why they are used on the Australian national emblem. Kangaroos graze on plants such as grass, other green plants and young shoots and are well adapted for arid environments because they get most of the water they require from the food they eat. Kangaroos have good eyesight and excellent hearing.