Koalas and Their Tree-Hugging Behavior

Koalas are known for hugging trees, which is not just adorable but also a survival tactic. In the hot and dry climate of Australia, koalas need to stay cool but cannot sweat. Unlike other animals that lick themselves to cool down, koalas avoid this to prevent dehydration. Instead, they hug trees, which are cooler than the surrounding air, to transfer heat away from their bodies. Research using infrared images shows that trees can be up to five degrees cooler, possibly due to groundwater or slower heating. This behavior helps koalas cool down significantly without losing water. The video concludes with a call for viewer engagement and questions.

Why do koalas spend a lot of time hugging trees?

• To find food

• To mark their territory

• To stay cool

• To avoid predators

What makes Australia a challenging place for koalas to live?

• Plentiful water sources

• High temperatures

• Abundant food

• Frequent rain

Which of the following animals can only sweat through parts not covered in fur?

• Koalas

• Dogs

• Monkeys

• Kangaroos

How do kangaroos cool themselves down?

• By hugging trees

• By licking their forearms

• By panting

• By drinking water

Why do koalas prefer not to lick themselves or pant when it's hot?

• It doesn't help them cool down

• It leads to dehydration

• They find it uncomfortable

• It makes them more visible to predators

How do koalas primarily obtain the water they need?

• By licking dew from leaves

• By eating eucalyptus leaves

• By drinking from streams

• By absorbing moisture from the air

What did researchers discover about the temperature of trees compared to the surrounding air?

• Trees are warmer than the air

• Trees are the same temperature as the air

• Trees are cooler than the air

• Trees have no effect on temperature

What is one possible reason trees are cooler than the surrounding air?

• They have a thick bark

• They pull up groundwater

• They are shaded by leaves

• They absorb sunlight

By how much can koalas cool themselves down by hugging trees?

• 20 percent

• 85 percent

• 40 percent

• 68 percent

Who suggested the topic for this SciShow Quick Question?

• A koala researcher

• A zoologist

• A 7-year-old from Minnesota

• A scientist from Australia