Giant Panda
M.W.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genius and Species |
Works Cited
Muzzy, Catherine C. Personal interview. 22 Mar. 2003.
Ailuropoda melanoleuca. 14 Mar. 2000. University of Michigan student . 21 Mar. 2003 <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/ailuropoda/a._melanoleuca$narrative.html>.
Kingdom Animalia. Dec. 1994. University of Michigan. 22 Mar. 2003 <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/animalia.html>.
Kingdom:
Animalia
multi-cellular
all pandas are heterotrophs, that is they rely on directly or indirectly on other organisms for their nourishment
reproduce sexually
have nucleus but no cell wall
most pandas ingest food and digest it in a internal cavity
Phylum: Chordata
bilateral symmetry
segmented body, including segmented muscles
Three germ layers
complete digestive system
Class: Mammalia
all mammals share three characteristics not found in other animals- three midak ear bones and hair
mammals hear sounds that are transmitted into their inner ear
Order: Carnivora
all Carnivora have a simple stomach
they tend to be medium-sized animals
vision and hearing are excellent
Family: Ursidae
they are found on all continents except for Australia
the feet of the bear are plantigrade
have hairy soles
claws of bears cannot be retracted
are able to walk bipedally
bears are omnivors
Genius and Species : Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Bamboo may not seem
like an appetizing meal to a mammal, but to a Giant
Panda it is. The Giant Panda comes form the phylum
Cordata and is a powerful and well-built vertebrate. The Giant Panda has many key
characteristics that allow it to live in its habitat.
The Giant Panda has many
simple, but useful characteristics that help them survive in the wild. 
For
example, the Giant Pandas have short claws. This characteristic enables them to
climb trees easily, and allows them to get food. Another example, is their thick,
substantial coat. This characteristic allows them to stay isolated and warm in the
winter and at night. The last main feature is their strong jaws and molars.
These molars and strong jaws help them slice through the bamboo very easily. These
three characteristics are key to the Panda's survival.
The Giant Panda's
habitat requires certain elements. For example, Giant Pandas only exist in
China. This shows that China is an ideal habitat for pandas because of its high
mountain range and elevation. Another example is their need to be surrounded by
bamboo. This habitat enables them to feed off bamboo, on which it needs to
survive. In addition, the panda lives in a cold, damp, dense forest. This
shows that the Giant Panda needs to live in an area that contains vegetation. The
panda needs these elements to survive in the wild.
The Giant Panda has many elements that allow it to live in its habitat. The Giant Panda is an endangered class and should be watched on a regular basis and protected.
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Panda, black and white rolling around in the forest eating green bamboo. |