Is a Panda a Bear?
The differences between Polar Bears and Pandas
Lead Scientist Cate Collins discusses the key differences between the Giant Panda and Polar Bear
What comes to mind when you think of a panda? Is it the large, rotund animal with the black-and-white coat, or the smaller, red, raccoon-like creature? While both of these animals share the name “panda,” they are not closely related. Giant pandas belong to the bear family, whereas red pandas are in their own family and they are more closely related to raccoons. Interestingly, giant pandas are more closely related to polar bears than to red pandas. Although giant pandas and polar bears are both bears, they are about as different as two bears can be. They split evolutionarily around 25 million years ago when the giant panda diverged from the rest of the bear family. Let’s explore some of the key differences between these two remarkable species.
Polar Bear Diet vs Panda Diet
The diets of giant pandas and polar bears could not be more different. Giant pandas are primarily herbivores, subsisting mainly on bamboo shoots, leaves, and stems. This is a challenging diet because bamboo offers very little energy and nutrition, especially for an animal with a carnivore’s digestive system. Polar bears, on the other hand, are carnivores, thriving on a high-fat diet composed of mostly seals. The digestive systems of these two species of bears have adapted to their respective diets – polar bears have more genes for digesting fat, while giant pandas have a higher capacity to digest starch. Their diet also impacts their behaviour. Polar bears roam over vast distances to hunt their prey, fueled by energy-rich seals. In contrast, pandas have much smaller ranges and conserve energy, as bamboo provides limited sustenance.
Differences in Polar Bear and Panda Anatomy
Despite sharing much of their anatomy, there are some differences between these two species. One difference is that polar bears are much larger than giant pandas. The bamboo-focused diet of these pandas has also influenced their anatomy, leading to the evolution of an opposable “thumb” to help grasp and manipulate bamboo. This thumb is not a true thumb but an enlarged wrist bone used similarly to a human thumb. Polar bears do not have this adaptation as they do not need such dexterity to hunt seals. This phenomenon is an example of divergent evolution – where two species that evolved from a common ancestor become increasingly different over time. Interestingly, red pandas also evolved a similar thumb for eating bamboo, despite not being closely related to giant pandas. This is an example of convergent evolution – where distantly related animals develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, such as diet. Another anatomical difference between polar bears and giant pandas is the shape of their skulls. Pandas have rounder faces, while polar bears have elongated faces with narrow snouts. This adaptation allows polar bears fit their heads into seal breathing holes more easily. It also provides space for a larger olfactory bulb, enhancing their sense of smell for hunting seals across vast distances. This trait is not necessary for giant pandas living in forests full of bamboo. These two fascinating species of bears have evolved to thrive in their unique and challenging environments, from the bamboo forests of China to the icy expanse of the Arctic.
About Gold Star Canadian Tours
At Gold Star Canadian Tours, we focus on providing the worlds best travel experiences to authentically Canadian destinations. Our flagship tour is a convenient 1-day Polar Bear Expedition with dedicated non-stop charter flights from major airports directly to Churchill, Manitoba. With Gold Star Canadian Tours, the wonders of the Arctic are closer than ever. Your Adventure Awaits!
