Introduction:
Did you know that the giant panda use to be an omnivore or carnivore? Did you know that the oldest panda fossil is eight million years old? Well both of these statements are true. With a black and white coat and prominent black eye patches, the panda is one of the best known species in the world. Although it is among the shyest and one of the rarest animals in the world now. There is only about 1,000 giant panda’s left in the world and now Giant Panda’s the endangered species list (2). Giant Panda’s will have to spend 14 to 16 hours (or 25 to 30lbs) eating bamboo to stay alive. But only 20% to 30% of the nutrients are able to be absorbed. Since it has to eat so much, it is very rare to see more than one panda in a location because it cannot afford the amount of energy it would need to compete with it (2). In this research paper, it covers the evolution/adaptations, environment and future of the giant panda.
Evolution:
…show more content…
During the long evolution of the panda, pandas adapted to eat a large amount of plants that are in a great abundance in East Asia. But many pandas soon lost their carnivorous and omnivorous part of them (1). Giant Panda’s soon took a plant called bamboo which now they have become dependent on. Another adaptation would be having the sixth thumb to grab bamboo more easily (1). The wrist on the Giant Panda has enlarged itself so that it can use the opposable thumb with ease because the thumb comes from the wrist, it would be an extension of bone (2). Cubs have also adapted a thicker skull so that if they fall, they wouldn`t get hurt (1). Giant Pandas have adapted stronger legs so that they can move their large bodies around to get food (1). Also have adapted a more carnivorous stomach than an herbivorous stomach because of the large amount of bamboo that can`t be digested into nutrients