The relationship of the giant panda to other carnivorans has been somewhat controversialbut it is now widely accepted that the giant panda is a close relative of bears. But the thumbs are structurally different and it is likely that they evolved independently. Does it look the same as the rest of the panda's fingers? Featured image is copyright of Claire Asher Bears have evolved a club-like paw, with limited independent movement of their digits, which is excellent for attacking live prey. It is not an ideal design fitted perfectly for holding bamboo, it is an evolved contraption. Your email address will not be published. A Spanish team has uncovered the earliest evidence of a "false thumb" in the panda fossil record, a finding that also clarifies the evolution of, and relationship between, the distantly related red and giant pandas.
