The color of giant pandas, one of the most distinctive animals still present on the planet, stands out in particular. The bamboo-eating fiend’s striking black-and-white pattern certainly draws attention, which begs the question of why a primarily herbivorous animal would want to do so.
According to a recent study published in the journal Behavioral Ecology, a theory has been developed by examining the coloration of other carnivores and how that coloration relates to different elements of their natural environment. The research team discovered that it appears likely that the black-and-white body pattern is something of a compromise, providing camouflage in both environments given that the bears spend some of their time in snow and some in dense forests. However, communication between pandas is more consistent with their distinctive ear and eye patches.
Many theories have been put forth as to why the giant panda parades around in striking black and white. For an animal that can weigh up to 160 kilograms, the patterning doesn’t seem like one you would choose to look unnoticed or blend in with the surroundings (350 pounds). One theory contends that the color variation may aid in controlling body temperature, particularly in an animal that alternates between living in temperate forests and deep snow.
However, a monochromatic menagerie could also include a wide variety of other species. Could these provide some insight into the pattern on pandas? While zebra stripes have generated much debate among biologists, with explanations ranging from tsetse fly protection to predator confusion, the penguin’s stripes appear to have a much more straightforward explanation: they are a direct form of countershading, or camouflage. However, none of these seem to relate to the giant panda.
Therefore, the researchers adopted a different strategy. They used a comparative phylogenetic approach, examining the coat patterns and colors of 39 bear subspecies and 195 other carnivore species in relation to their social interactions and living environments. They discovered a correlation between darker pigments and forests and lighter hues and snow cover, indicating that the piebald pandas are balancing between the two.
Their unique facial markings, however, didn’t follow this pattern. Instead, it appears that the species with distinct ear and eye patches were also the most aggressive, which, according to the authors, may indicate that bears use their ears to communicate with one another and to warn off potential predators.
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