Question

Some molecular data place the giant panda in the bear family (Ursidae) but place the lesser panda in the raccoon family (Procyonidae). If the molecular data best reflect the evolutionary history of these two groups, then the morphological similarities of these two species is most likely due to _____.

Answer 1

Their Genes

Step-by-step explanation:

These two species share a similiar lifestyle but are not related, researchers decided to investigate the cause of this and discovered that both species share approximately 70 genes that relates to them eating only bamboo despite being classified as carnivores.

Specifically, they found that two genes, PCNT and DYNC2H, are known to be important in their growth as they help their wrist bone shape into a thumb-like appendage that makes it easier for them to grasp to bamboo stalks.