Scientists reveal the secrets of the panda's diet 

The -diet- of -pandas-

A genetic analysis of giant pandas has revealed how these animals are able to live on a diet consisting almost entirely of bamboo, despite having a digestive system more suitable for carnivores. The research highlights the crucial role of specific gut bacteria in the breakdown of hard cellulose fibers in bamboo.

Scientists reveal the secrets of the panda's diet 

 Scientists reveal the secrets of the panda's diet 

Panda consumption

An adult panda consumes about 12 kilograms of bamboo per day. However, scientists have determined that the panda's digestive system is not inherently equipped to process this type of food.Unlike other herbivores that have long intestines to allow more time to absorb nutrients, pandas have a shorter intestinal tract.

•  Furthermore, genetic analysis shows that while pandas have the genes needed to produce enzymes to digest meat, they lack the genes needed to produce enzymes that break down plant material.

The key to diet

The key to the panda's unique diet lies in the gut microbiome the researchers identified the presence of Clostridium bacteria in the panda's gut, a type of bacteria known for its ability to digest cellulose these bacteria produce enzymes that break down cellulose fibers in the cell walls of the bamboo plant, allowing the panda to extract nutrients. 

1. In addition, scientists have also found evidence of the presence of other enzymes that contribute to the breakdown of cellulosic and semi-cellulosic cells.

Explanation of the discovery

This discovery explains the apparent paradox of a carnivorous digestive system supported by a herbivorous diet. The results suggest that the panda's gut bacteria adapted to its bamboo-rich diet, enabling it to survive. Despite this adaptation, pandas are known to digest only about 17% of the bamboo they consume, which explains why they need to eat such large amounts.

In conclusion

Important research reveals the panda's eating style and proportionality ratio with the digestive system, and in the future scientists may find many Panda secrets

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