Giant Panda

The giant panda is a black-and-white bear native to mountain forests in China. Bamboo makes up most of its diet, and a modified wrist bone helps it grip stems while feeding. Its broad molars and strong jaws process tough plant material. Pandas spend much of each day feeding and resting because bamboo provides relatively little energy. They use scent marks to communicate across forest ranges. Mothers rear small, dependent cubs, sheltering them in dens during early development.