General Skeleton
The skeleton of the giant panda is very similar to that of bears except for a general increase of size of the compact bone throughout the entire skeleton. The most advantageous place for the giant panda to have an enlarged skeleton is in the skull region to support the increase in mastication (jaw) musculature. Hypertrophy (increase) of the whole skeleton may have been necessary to increase the size of the skull, thereby allowing a quick, powerful closure of the mandible.
Skull
The giant panda skull and mandible include modifications that adapt a carnivore skull to an herbivorous diet. The temporal fossa is expanded and provides more extensive muscle attachment for the temporalis muscle. The zygomatic arch is enlarged to provide a larger surface area of attachment for the masseter and zygomaticomandibular muscles. The zygomatic arch also is expanded laterally to increase the temporal fossa. This lateral expansion limits the horizontal movement of the jaw. Having larger muscles allows the giant panda to crush the tough bamboo stalks.
Fingers
The Giant Panda has an extra finger which is only on its front paws. The extra finger can also be called the pseudo thumb or the sixth claw. The pseudo thumb, extra finger, or the sixth claw on the panda is a bone covered by a fleshy pad. Panda’s fingers are called true fingers. This claw helps the panda to eat, climb trees, and climb rocks. Not only does it have awesome fingers but the Giant Panda has strong toes which can spread out wide like human fingers do.
Skull
The giant panda skull and mandible include modifications that adapt a carnivore skull to an herbivorous diet. The temporal fossa is expanded and provides more extensive muscle attachment for the temporalis muscle. The zygomatic arch is enlarged to provide a larger surface area of attachment for the masseter and zygomaticomandibular muscles. The zygomatic arch also is expanded laterally to increase the temporal fossa. This lateral expansion limits the horizontal movement of the jaw. Having larger muscles allows the giant panda to crush the tough bamboo stalks.
Fingers
The Giant Panda has an extra finger which is only on its front paws. The extra finger can also be called the pseudo thumb or the sixth claw. The pseudo thumb, extra finger, or the sixth claw on the panda is a bone covered by a fleshy pad. Panda’s fingers are called true fingers. This claw helps the panda to eat, climb trees, and climb rocks. Not only does it have awesome fingers but the Giant Panda has strong toes which can spread out wide like human fingers do.