The koalas have fingerprints almost equal to man, and may be confused with crime scenes

Fingerprints are formed by alternating ridges and grooves on the last phalanx of the fingers, called dermatoglyphs.

Their function is to increase the sensitivity of the fingers to the pressure, for example when we pass a hand on a rough surface.

Fingerprints amplify the vibrations transmitted by touching an object, better transmitting the signal to nerves reputed to the perception of its structure.

The footprints also play a role in improving the grip, if it is necessary for the animal to climb or to support a branch; Are present in many primates, and, incredibly, even in the koala.

That they are present in primates such as chimpanzees and orangutans should not be surprised, as they are close relatives of man; The koala, on the other hand, has embarked on a different evolutionary path many millions of years ago, and it is also a marsupiale, mammalian class far away from primates.

Despite this, the koala fingerprints are practically indistinguishable from human ones, even to a careful microscope examination.

"The koala's fingerprints are practically the same as human ones. Police could easily confuse them during an investigation, "says Maciej Henneberg, a bio-anthropologist and forensic scientist at the University of Adelaide.

But how is this incredible resemblance?

Most likely because of the living habits of the koala, similar to those of the primates. They live on trees, and fingerprints return to their usefulness when they have to climb, feed, or sleep on the trees.

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