Taxonomic Classification
Closest Living related Species not in the same genus
Giant pandas are the only member or branch from the Ailuropoda genus since they evolved separately from bears. (Edwin Giesbers, 2015) However, after research, scientist believe that giant pandas' closest living related species are bears. Though some scientist believe that giant pandas are related to raccoons causing an endless debate on the relative of the giant panda. (Jianqing Gu, n.d.)
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Most recent Common Ancestor
- Yunnan Lufeng Ailuaractos lufengensis - 1/2 size to average modern giant panda ("The origin and evolution of giant panda," 2010).
- Pygmy Giant Panda/Ailuropoda microta - smaller in length by two feet (Mckenzie Hicks, 2012)
Where and When Giant Pandas evolved from
- Pygmy Giant Panda - skull was found in South China two million years ago and later found out that giant panda evolved for over three million years
- Separate lineage from bears
- After the ice age, Pygmy Giant Pandas adapted to harsh weather by gaining in size and weight ----> 600,000 years later they evolve into the modern giant pandas ("The origin and evolution of giant panda," 2010).