Movement
Pandas sit on their haunches, legs spread, and holds the delicate branch with one forepaw, using a remarkably strong ‘pseudo-thumb’ to grip it. This unusual ‘sixth digit’ is a modified wrist bone under the pad of the foot which has evolved to a thumb-like size and flexibility, allowing precise plucking movements. The only other mammal to have this trait is the Red Panda but no bear shares this adaptation. The head has also evolved an impressive musculature to reduce this hard food to a pulp. The molars are wide and flat, and the skull is much broader than a bear’s narrow, small toothed head. Once bamboo is thoroughly crushed, it then passes through the oesophagus and stomach which are equally tough to resist splinters and fibrous bulk. Contrary to other vegetarian mammals, the intestines are very short, much more than bear’s. This would indicate that the Pandas ancestors were carnivorous and the adaptations of the upper digestive system were to cope with the bamboo. The food is quickly digested and contains little protein which is why they need such a large supply of bamboo and do not stray far unless they have to go in search of more food.
They have never been seen galloping like bears but instead use a slow pigeon-toed, rolling shufle, swinging from side to side. The fastest they go is a trot/jog. Pandas do not really have a defence mechanism except that they have elusive habits, live in remote high altitude areas and bone crushing jaws if they have close combat. Giant Pandas have scent glands used by the males to mark his territory and by the females to indicate she is ready to mate unlike bears who use their urine and droppings.