CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -We reveal that the koala’s ability to detoxify eucalypt foliage may be due to expansions within a cytochrome P450 gene family, and its ability to smell, taste and moderate ingestion of plant secondary metabolites may be due to expansions in the vomeronasal and taste receptors.

Detailed explanation-2: -Koala mtDNA haplotype diversity within populations averaged H= 0.18, which was only one-fifth the level of diversity detected in an Australian omnivore, the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis).

Detailed explanation-3: -Koalas feed primarily on the leaves of eucalyptus trees. One of the most important factors influencing the distribution and numbers of koalas in any area is the presence and density of their food tree species. Koalas feed almost exclusively on a few preferred tree species which are of primary and secondary importance.

Detailed explanation-4: -Unlocking the genomic sequence gives scientists unprecedented insights into the unique biology of the koala: the highly accurate genomic data will provide them with new information that will inform conservation efforts, aid in the treatment of diseases, and help to ensure the koala’s long-term survival.

Detailed explanation-5: -Like the human genome, the koala genome contains about 26,000 genes.