Unique Characteristics of a Giant Panda

Whether giant pandas are members of the bear family or a different family altogether has been a subject of debate since Pere David introduced them to the West in 1869. DNA testing has since determined that giant pandas are bears.

Differences between the Diets of Bears and Giant Pandas

Bears are omnivores leaning heavily toward being carnivores, while giant pandas eat a bamboo-based diet. Giant pandas eat almost the entire bamboo plant--leaves, flowers, seeds, stems and culm, which is the "trunk" of the bamboo plant.

The Pseudothumb of the Giant Panda

Giant pandas have an extra digit on their front paws that they use like an opposable thumb. This is a wrist bone called the radial sesamoid that has become enlarged. It is used to hold and manipulate the giant panda's food.

Differences in the Jaws and Teeth of Giant Pandas

Giant pandas have faces that look rounder than those of other bears because pandas have larger jaw muscles. Giant pandas also have larger molars compared with other bears. These adaptations allow pandas to chew bamboo efficiently.

Hibernation

Unlike most species of temperate-zone bear, giant pandas do not hibernate. Because of their vegetarian diet, they don't build up enough fat during the year to support them through the winter. Giant panda fur is also exceptionally waterproof and insulating, which allows giant pandas to sleep comfortably in the snow.

Giant Panda Coloration

The coat of the giant panda has markings that make it visible in the forest. This visibility may make finding mates easier. Pandas are solitary creatures, so this coloration may also make it easier for the animals to avoid each other during nonmating periods. Because giant pandas are active in the winter, their white color may also make them more difficult to see in the snow.

References

• Digestion in Giant and Red Pandas
• Giant Panda Facts - National Zoo
• Animals - Giant Pandas

Resources

• Panda Classroom-National Zoological Park/FONZ