Did koalas evolve from deadly relatives? Collagen reveals surprising family link

New research shows Koala's closest extinct relatives were powerful predators. (Image: Canva)

Koalas may seem cuddly, but their past was unexpectedly fierce. New research shows their closest extinct relatives were deadly predators. This study reshapes how scientists understand marsupial evolution and ancestry.

Modern koalas are iconic, slow-moving, leaf-eating marsupials in Australia. They evolved from a lineage of larger, more versatile marsupials. Despite their gentle appearance, their ancestors occupied key predatory roles. Protein analysis reveals connections to species that once dominated ecosystems.

The Thylacoleo carnifex or marsupial lion, lived 2–3 million years ago. It prowled forests and woodlands across ancient Australia’s landscapes. Other relatives included Zygomaturus, a wombat-like herbivore and Palorchestes, tapir-like. These species thrived in diverse habitats before human arrival and climate shifts.

Climate change reduced forests, altering food and shelter availability drastically. Humans arriving in Australia increased hunting pressure on megafauna species. Combined threats caused massive declines, eventually driving many species extinct. Thylacoleo, Zygomaturus and Palorchestes vanished, leaving only koalas behind.

Koalas maintain forest health by controlling eucalyptus tree growth effectively. They provide food for predators and help balance forest ecosystems. Their conservation ensures other species dependent on intact forests survive. They act as symbols of Australia’s unique and fragile wildlife.

Koalas themselves survive, but ancestors like Thylacoleo remain extinct. Scientists study ancient proteins to understand marsupial evolutionary history better. Future studies may uncover hidden links in Australia’s fossil record.

Molecular tools help track relationships between ancient and modern marsupials. Understanding ancestry guides conservation strategies for surviving koalas today. Learning from the past can protect forests and wildlife effectively.