What do pandas teeth look like?

Giant pandas have a unique dental formula that has evolved to suit their specialised bamboo diet. Here's a breakdown of their teeth:

Incisors: Pandas have four flat and chisel-shaped incisors, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. These teeth are used primarily for cutting and nipping bamboo shoots.

Canines: Pandas have small and slightly elongated canines, but they don't play a significant role in bamboo consumption.

Premolars: The premolars of pandas are relatively small and help in crushing and grinding bamboo.

Molars: The molars of pandas are exceptionally broad and flat, acting as grinding surfaces. The cusps, or bumps, on the molars are also highly developed and help in crushing and grinding bamboo.

The key aspect of pandas' teeth is the presence of a "false thumb" formed by a modified wrist bone. This false thumb, along with their strong jaws and specialised teeth, allows them to efficiently grasp, break, and chew tough bamboo stalks.