why are pandas black and white when bamboo is green
2006-07-12 04:54:06 · 11 answers · asked by aliviel27 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Let's think about it a bit. What is the purpose of camouflage? Predators use it so that their prey does not spot them and their prey use it as a mechanism to avoid being spotted.
Now, Pandas were originally omnivores but moved their diet to exclusively be Bamboo since it was available in abundance. So, Pandas need not hide to stalk prey, for they don't hunt. Also, they need not hide from anyone else since they are not a direct prey species as well. Of course, long ago, where Pandas lived, there lived tigers as well, but within a bamboo bush it's not too easy to spot a hidden panda since all mammals (except primates) are color blind.
Now, Pandas really need to hide during the winters during heavy snow fall. Their color is a perfect fit since a stationary panda in the snow looks like a bunch of rocks on snow!!
2006-07-12 21:37:18 · answer #1 · answered by Elephas Maximus 3 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Some animals only see in B&W, so it's okay to be in B&W, also if you look up a tree, the sun will be glaring down and that'll represent the white part, and if you're looking near or directly at the sun, the light is too strong and that makes everything else look black, so that's why the other part of the panda is black.
2006-07-12 12:01:04 · answer #2 · answered by Mickey S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At night time colours are difficult to be distinguished. The light dark contrast of the bamboo and the space between it make the panda blend into it's surrounding environment. The light / dark contrast diffuse the look of completeness in the animal and it is harder to recognize it at a distance.
2006-07-12 12:00:05 · answer #3 · answered by Answerer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well pandas have no natural predators, so the need for defensive camouflage is not needed. They also wouldn't need camouflage to sneak up on their food, since they eat plants.
Hope that clears up the confusion...
2006-07-12 13:25:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe a panda has no need to hide and if they look cute people wont kill them
2006-07-12 11:59:23 · answer #5 · answered by holy00ss 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seems to me I read they live in the higher alltitudes of China, which might explain that. i.e. snowcapped mountains
2006-07-12 18:44:39 · answer #6 · answered by celtic-tides04@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you ever look at old photos everything used to be black and white so they blended easily but they've never evolved.......
2006-07-12 11:58:59 · answer #7 · answered by bryanocarr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe that's the reason that they are endangered.
2006-07-12 12:18:39 · answer #8 · answered by David 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
apologies but wot r u talkin about?
2006-07-12 16:44:57 · answer #9 · answered by happy 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
So they don't bite their paws off
2006-07-12 11:57:34 · answer #10 · answered by Useless 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋