answersLogoWhite

0

Are koalas like kangaroos

User Avatar

Anonymous

12y ago
Updated: 8/20/2019

No. Although kangaroos and koalas are both marsupials from Australia, they are very different animals. Obvious physiological differences include:

  • Koalas have backward-opening pouches while kangaroos' pouches open at the top.
  • Koalas climb tree; kangaroos cannot climb (although tree kangaroos can jump up trees and from limb to limb).
  • Koalas can only walk and climb; kangaroos can walk and hop.
  • When a koala walks, it can move all its limbs independently. The kangaroos's back legs cannot move independently, except when swimming.
  • A kangaroos has a tail; a koala does not have a tail.
  • Kangaroos and koalas are both herbivorous, but koalas live almost exclusively on eucalyptus (gum) leaves, and their digestive system is specially adapted for this diet. Kangaroos eat a variety of grasses and young shoots.
User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?