The Physiology of Koalas

( Phascolarctos cinereus )

Photos adapted from images at Discover Australia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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This page was created as an assignment for Animal Physiology at Davidson College. If you have any questions, you can e-mail me at cocrawford@davidson.edu.

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Australia is a land of captivating beauty. From the dry red interior, to the rich greens of the rainforest, to the vibrant colors of the tropical reef, Australia provides a beautiful and diverse environment for an incredible number of wildlife. One animal in particular, Phascolarctos cinereus, commonly known as the Koala, has emerged as an icon of the Australian culture. However, this cute and loveable animal is currently in danger as its habitat is slowly being destroyed. The Koala is a remarkable animal, and is one of only a few animals, that is capable of surviving on a naturally foliar diet of eucalyptus leaves. Over time, the Koala has evolved several physiological adaptations that allow it to cope with this high fibre, low protein diet. The contents of this web page provide a broad range of information about Koalas, but there is a particular focus on the morphological and physiological adaptations that make Koalas unique and amazing creatures.