The Queensland koala bear is the smallest subspecies of the koala bears ("Koala Bears Characteristics."). The koala bear is classified as a mammal, meaning they can produce milk to feed their young. Additionally, they are the only animal in the marsupial family. The Queensland koala is found in the warmer parts of Australia’s northern regions ("Koala Bears Characteristics."). …show more content…
“Because of the warmer temperatures where it lives, it has short – haired fur. Its coat is a light shade of gray("Koala Bears Characteristics.") .” “Furthermore, the most widely known characteristics of marsupials which differentiate them from other mammals is that, for most, after a very short gestation period, they give birth to immature young which then develop further in the protection of the mother’s pouch ("Koala: Taxonomy.").” Additionally, the koala bears face is broad and contains a wide, rounded, leathery nose ("Koala."). ”Koalas’ large ears are a feature of their appearance ,consequently as Koalas live in populations where the individual animals live at relatively large distances apart, their keen sense of hearing is very important to their survival("Australian Koala Foundation.").” Moreover, Queensland koala bears feet are clawed and sturdy and they have opposable digits for grasping tree branches to climb. When the koala bear is born it is called a Joey. “A Joey is only about the size of a jelly bean, its eyes and ears are not formed ( " Koala Bear Articles .").” Due to the fact that the koala is a marsupial, they receive nutrients, nourishment , and protection inside their mothers pouch. Furthermore, the Joey will start to grow and mature over time , thus the eyes and ears of the koala will fully develop. “Consequently, koala bears are not fully grown until age four, but they are considered adults at three years old because at that age they are ready to mate and reproduce(“ Koala Bear Articles