This a perfect demonstration of rote memorization mixed with a lack of critical thinking.

The answer “they’re marsupials” doesn’t actually answer the question at all. It’s just regurgitation of information.

I mean I think it is implied that bears aren’t marsupials, this stating that Koalas are marsupials means there is no overlap, so they must be classified seperately. Namely in a group with other marsupials.

Ok I’ll admit I misread the original post as “why aren’t koalas bears?”.

But yeah you’re right this does actually answer the question in the OP.

Edit: nevermind I didn’t misread. This doesn’t answer the question of WHY koalas are not bears. Taxonomic classifications have logic and reason behind them. So a proper answer would be that bears are placental animals with a longer gestation period. Whereas marsupials have a shorter gestation period and keep their young in a pouch. I’m sure an actual zoologist could give an even more enlightening answer.

My problem is just that this shows no critical thinking skills at all.

The answer given here basically amounts to “they are classified differently because they’re classified differently.”