I know this topic is kind of silly, but seriously. Pandas are really fat, but they eat mostly bamboo? Is it because they simply don't move much? Can someone explain why pandas are eating a plant based diet, but are fat? Thanks!
Not trolling, just curious about fat pandas.
Replies
Good points, thank you guys!
Every creature has a unique body type.
Hippos are herbivores too, but I wouldn't want to mess with one.
Or corner a panda either, cute and cuddly looks notwithstanding...
They sleep 20 hours/day..
I'm no panda expert, but Wiki has some interesting info on how pandas have adapted to help them survive on a bamboo diet, and how this has affected their shape and size:
Despite its taxonomic classification as a carnivoran, the giant panda's diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting almost exclusively of bamboo.[21] However, the giant panda still has the digestive system of a carnivore, as well as carnivore-specific genes,[32] and thus derives little energy and little protein from consumption of bamboo. Its ability to digest cellulose is ascribed to the microbes in its gut.[33][34] The giant panda is a "highly specialized" animal with "unique adaptations", and has lived in bamboo forests for millions of years.[24] The average giant panda eats as much as 9 to 14 kg (20 to 30 lb) of bamboo shoots a day. Given this large diet, the giant panda can defecate up to 40 times a day.[35] Because it consumes a diet low in nutrition, it is important for it to keep its digestive tract full.[21] The limited energy input imposed on it by its diet has affected the panda's behavior. The giant panda tends to limit its social interactions and avoids steeply sloping terrain to limit its energy expenditures.[36]
Two of the panda's most distinctive features, its large size and round face, are adaptations to its bamboo diet. Panda researcher Russell Ciochon observed: “[much] like the vegetarian gorilla, the low body surface area to body volume [of the giant panda] is indicative of a lower metabolic rate. This lower metabolic rate and a more sedentary lifestyle allows the giant panda to subsist on nutrient[-]poor resources such as bamboo.”[36] Similarly, the giant panda's round face is the result of powerful jaw muscles, which attach from the top of the head to the jaw.[36] Large molars crush and grind fibrous plant material.
Pandas eat any of 25 bamboo species in the wild, such as Fargesia dracocephala[37] and Fargesia rufa.[38] Only a few bamboo species are widespread at the high altitudes pandas now inhabit. Bamboo leaves contain the highest protein levels; stems have less.[39]
Because of the synchronous flowering, death, and regeneration of all bamboo within a species, the giant panda must have at least two different species available in its range to avoid starvation. While primarily herbivorous, the giant panda still retains decidedly ursine teeth, and will eat meat, fish, and eggs when available. In captivity, zoos typically maintain the giant panda's bamboo diet, though some will provide specially formulated biscuits or other dietary supplements.[40]
I think they also have very thick fur, so underneath they are probably shredded! ;)
The largest land animals on the planet follow a plant based diet, are they fat too?