The Surprising Truth About Colugos: They're More Like Us Than Bats!

The Colugo: A Gliding Mammal That's More Related to Us Than We Thought In a recent TikTok video by science teacher Zeke Darwin (@zekedarwinscience), viewers learned about the colugo, a fascinating gliding mammal. Initially, scientists believed the colugo's close resemblance to bats in terms of gliding capabilities indicated a close evolutionary relationship. However, recent DNA analysis, as highlighted in the video, paints a different picture. Darwin explains, "For a long time, experts thought the colugo must be closely related to bats." But the latest genetic research shows a surprising truth. "We can now test these ideas thanks to DNA and genetics, and when they have done that, they have realized that this is actually more closely related to us and the primates." This unexpected finding challenges previous assumptions and provides a new understanding of mammalian evolution. Beyond its evolutionary relationships, the colugo's parenting is also unique. It gives birth to underdeveloped young, who then create their own pouch from the mother's extra skin. This unusual adaptation is another fascinating aspect of this remarkable creature. Darwin's video successfully communicates complex scientific information in an engaging and accessible manner, making it a valuable resource for both science enthusiasts and the general public. The video's success is evident in its rapid growth in popularity since its upload on June 2nd, 2025, already accumulating over 16,700 views and 1780 likes.