Ever wondered why some giant pandas sport a fabulous brown-and-white coat instead of the classic black-and-white? 🤔 Well, scientists in China just unlocked the secret! 🧐🔑
A team of zoologists from the Institute of Zoology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified the gene responsible for this rare fur color. How cool is that? 😎
The first ever brown panda was spotted back in 1985 in the mystical Qinling Mountains of Shaanxi Province. Since then, all recorded sightings of wild brown pandas have been in this region. One famous brown-and-white panda is Qizai, a male adopted in 2009 who has stolen hearts worldwide. ❤️🐾
By sequencing the genomes of three panda families connected to Qizai, along with 29 other black-and-white pandas, the researchers discovered the genetic twist that gives some pandas their unique look. 🌟
This breakthrough not only helps us understand these adorable creatures better but also highlights the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Let's celebrate science and nature! 🌍🎉
Reference(s):
Why did some pandas turn brown? Scientists found the key gene
cgtn.com
