Homologous structures (comparison: wombats & kangaroos)
- Pads on feet: The pads on the feet of both wombats and koalas shows their similar evolutionary path. Since they are both a part of the same family, they share similar traits, one of them being these pads that help them maneuver through the terrain that they live in.
- Pouches: Koalas and kangaroos are both known to have pouches. They were both evolved to have this trait. Both kangaroos and koalas are born prematurely and then continue growing inside the pouch. The pouch supports this growth and thus aides the reproductive systems of both species.
- General comparison (wombat): The wombat is the most closely related species to the koala. This is proved through their physical traits, behavioral traits, and geographical locations of origin. They have the same biological traits, down to the family of species. Most of the differences at that point are physical and relating to the physical. For example, due to koala’s physical traits, they live in trees, to which their diets of the leaves of various eucalyptus/gum trees is due.