Whole-Genome Study of Koalas Shows Genetic Diversity Alone Can Misread Extinction Risk

Koalas survived a devastating population crash and their DNA is bouncing back

Koalas suffered a massive population decline that left them with dangerously low genetic diversity. However, new genomic research suggests their rapid rebound may be helping reverse some of that genetic damage. As koala numbers rise, recombination is mixing their remaining DNA into new combinations, which can rebuild functional diversity. The findings suggest that fast population recovery can sometimes help species regain lost evolutionary poten…

How a handful of koalas are changing scientists understanding of genetic risk

It's long been assumed that koalas in southern Australia are genetically unhealthy. A new study finds they're actually recovering, changing how scientists look at genetic risks.

Koalas Recover Genetic Diversity as Populations Expand

Koalas Recover Genetic Diversity as Populations Expand: Their rebound shows resilience after a severe genetic bottleneck

A koala population’s rapid rebound may let it escape inbreeding's perils

As koalas in southern Australia have grown from a few hundred to almost half a million, the marsupials show signs of regaining lost genetic variation.

We thought inbred koalas were at risk of extinction. But what we discovered upends genetic conventions

Population crashes are dangerous and can be irreversible. But new research shows they are not always an evolutionary dead end.

Koalas Nearly Lost Their Genetic Diversity But Their Comeback Is Rewriting the Story

Koalas’ population comeback may be doing more than boosting numbers—it could also be rebuilding their lost genetic diversity.