How Eating Poop Is Key to Koalas’ Survival

Baby koalas are adorable (duh!), but they have a weakness. They’re born unequipped to digest their main diet, eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to most animals. What’s a joey to do? Don’t worry — mom serves up an answer.

I Contain Multitudes is a multi-part video series dedicated to exploring the wonderful, hidden world of the microbiome. The series is hosted by science writer Ed Yong and produced by HHMI Tangled Bank Studios in association with Room 608.