Question

How do koalas survive on a diet of eucalyptus leaves?

Answer 1

Koalas are able to survive on a diet of eucalyptus leaves due to their specialized digestive system. They have a unique gut microbiome that helps them break down the tough and fibrous leaves, which are low in nutrients and high in toxins. Koalas also have a slow metabolism and spend many hours resting to conserve energy. Additionally, they have a special adaptation where they can produce enzymes to detoxify the eucalyptus leaves, making them able to digest this otherwise challenging food source.

Answer 2

Koalas have a specialized digestive system that allows them to survive on a diet of eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus leaves are tough and low in nutrients, but koalas have a long digestive tract and a specialized gut flora that help break down the leaves and extract nutrients from them. Additionally, koalas have a slow metabolic rate and spend a significant amount of time resting to conserve energy, which helps them cope with the low nutritional value of their food source.