A cute and cuddly koala who apparently has a"smooth brain". - Pic courtesy of Diego Delso (CC BY 3.0)
AUSTRALIA’S adorable koalas may charm us with their cuddly appearance, but the truth is these marsupials prefer their personal space and aren’t fans of cuddling!
They can often be found lounging high in eucalyptus trees, snoozing away for up to an astonishing 22 hours a day, a behaviour that serves an important survival purpose – conserving energy.
But wait … is it true that koalas have smooth brains?
Verdict:
TRUE
There is more to these sleepy creatures than meets the eye. Research reveals that koalas possess a brain that is not only small – making up just 0.2% of their body mass – but also smooth, lacking folds typically associated with higher neuron density. This allows their brain to function with minimal energy usage.
These tree huggers, living primarily on eucalyptus leaves, also have a diet that’s toxic to other mammals. Koalas rely on a specialised digestive system that helps them break down the toxic (and nutrient-poor) foliage.
However, joeys are not equipped to handle these toxins right off the bat. Instead, they will receive “nutritional training” from their mothers in the form of “pap” (koala feces)! The bacteria found in the poop is effective in preparing their young ones’ guts for a life sustained by eucalyptus.
References:
1. https://www.yha.com.au/travel-and-tours/traveller-stories/12-facts-about-koalas/
2. https://seethewild.org/koala-facts/
