0
The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is a marsupial mammal and is indigenous to Australia. Their closest relative is the wombat. They live in eucalyptus trees and eat only a few types of gum leaves from which they get all nutrients and water requirements. Eucalyptus leaves are tough, toxic and low in nutrition, but the koala has developed a stomach which is capable of removing the toxins from where they are filtered out by the liver. The caecum completes the process by changing the eucalyptus leaves into digestible nutrients. The caecum is similar to the human appendix. The koala must eat over a kilogram of leaves per day to meet its energy requirements. Eucalyptus leaves contain approximately 50% water, 18% fibre, 13% tannins, 8% fat, 5% carbohydrates, 4% protein and 2% minerals. Koalas have been seen feeding in 120 kinds of eucalypt tree including Manna Gum, Swamp Gum, Blue Gum, Forest Red Gum and Grey Gum.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoKoalas have no difficulty supporting their weight as they have specific adaptations for living in eucalyptus trees.
Koalas have very strong claws suitable for gripping trees and climbing. They also have thick skin on the pads of their feet which gives them extra grip. The shape and design of their fingers enables them to act like opposable thumbs. Between their first and second "fingers" is a large gap, which enables them to also grip tree branches comfortably, whilst their hind legs have one toe set at a wide angle. They also have toes with thick pads which enable them to sit comfortably in a tree all day.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoKangaroo's use their powerful tails for support when kicking.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How old are koalas when they can survive on their own?
Koalas can really only survive independently of their mothers at about twelve months old.
Could koalas survive in America?
It is unlikely that koalas could survive in America. Koalas require just a certain few species of eucalyptus trees for their food, and the required genus of eucalyptus are not found in America.
How will koalas evolve to survive?
Koalas already have everything the need to survive. They are equipped with numerous adaptations that enable them to survive, and tribe, in their habitat. Refer to the related question below for these adaptations.However, few animals as able to survive man's interference in their environment. The koala is no exception. If man continues to degrade the koala's environment, koalas are unlikely to survive.
How can body parts help rabbits survive?
Depending on the body part, in quite a few ways... you have to have body partsto survive.
How do animals survive on Kangaroo Island?
There is plenty of vegetation on Kangaroo island suitable for the native Australian animals to survive. Koalas on the island survive on introduced eucalyptus, as the koalas themselves have been introduced.
Do koalas live in a desert in Australia?
No. Koalas do not live in any desert areas because deserts do not have eucalyptus trees which koalas depend on to survive.
Can you find koalas in Alaska?
No. Koalas, which are not related to bears, are marsupials which are native to Australia alone. Koalas could not survive the cold climate of Alaska.
How does healthy food help the body?
helps you survive
Why do koalas have a big body?
Koalas have need of strong legs to climb up trees, which is where they spend a good portion of their lives. Their legs also help keep them balanced as they move around in the trees, they help support them as they sit in the trees and they help them to hold on to tree branches.
How do the body coverings of the seahorse help it survive?
I think they camoflauge.
How do your body parts help you to survive?
teeth,claws,andfur
What body parts help a giraffe survive?
its long neck
