Koalas and fingerprints

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I learnt something the other day that I thought was very intriguing. Koalas have fingerprints that are so similar to our own that even forensic experts are battling to differentiate between the two. The patterns of both are complex with whorls, loops and arches unique to each individual. The experts call it convergent evolution. This means that two unrelated species developed similar traits through facing similar challenges. Fingerprints help with gripping and manipulating objects. Koalas climb branches, strip leaves and handle delicate foliage. Their close relatives such as kangaroos and wombats do not have fingerprints at all. The article said that, should koala fingerprints be found at a crime scene, they could well be mistaken for human prints. Wouldn’t that make an interesting whodunnit? The photo is mine. I hope this little guy managed to pull himself up again!