Here is a more detailed physical description of a panda:
- Body Size: Pandas are typically between 1.2 and 1.8 meters (3.9 and 5.9 feet) long, with a shoulder height of around 60 to 70 centimeters (24 to 28 inches).
- Weight: Adult pandas can weigh between 75 and 125 kilograms (165 and 275 pounds), with males generally larger than females.
- Fur Coat: Pandas have a dense, woolly undercoat that helps insulate them from cold temperatures. Their fur is predominantly black, with large white patches on the face, ears, chest, and rump.
- Face: Pandas have a distinctive facial pattern. Their eyes are surrounded by black fur resembling eye masks, while the rest of the face is mostly white.
- Ears: Pandas have round and erect ears, which are covered in white or off-white fur.
- Body Shape: They have a stocky and robust build, with a rounded body and short limbs.
- Tail: Pandas have a short, furry tail that is usually between 10 and 15 centimeters (4 and 6 inches) long.
- Paws: Pandas have five-fingered paws, with a unique, opposable "thumb" that helps them grip bamboo stalks. The palms of their paws are hairless and padded, providing traction on slippery surfaces.
- Teeth: Pandas have a specialized set of teeth adapted for their bamboo diet. They possess molars that are broad and flat, forming a grinding surface for crushing bamboo.
It's important to note that there are two species of pandas: the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and the red panda (Ailurus fulgens). While they share the "panda" name, they are distinct species with different appearances, behaviors, and habitats.