Too Cute Tuesday
As plain as black and white… or not so much.
How did the panda get its colors?
Scientists aren’t exactly sure. One theory is that pandas developed the contrasting black and white colors over time so they would stand out in the forest and be able to find each other to mate. Another idea is that the broad blockings of contrasting color may serve to camouflage the panda in the bamboo or treetops. Anyone who’s tried to spot one of our panda cubs up in the tree napping can verify how difficult that can be! Scientists have yet to confirm what the real purpose of the panda’s coloration is. Each panda’s markings are slightly different from one another. There is also a rare brown and white variation of the giant panda. (San Diego Zoo)