Giant Panda Teacher Packet - Memphis Zoo

Red, White, and BlackGoal: Students will recognize similarities and differences between the red panda and giant panda.Behavioral Objectives:1) Students will be able to observe and describe similarities and differences in the anatomy of thegiant panda and the red panda.Curriculum Standard Correlations:Grade 3• 2.2 Recognize that organisms use their senses to interact with their environment.• 5.1 Recognize the differences among plants and animals of the same kind.Grade 4• 2.1 Investigate the relationships among organisms in a specific ecosystem.• 5.1 Realize that plants and animals can be grouped according to similarities anddifferences in their characteristics.Grade 5• 2.1 Investigate the relationships among organisms in a specific ecosystem.• 3.2 Recognize the function of specific structures in organisms that allow them to obtainand use energy.Time:30 minutesBackground Information:There are two different kinds of pandas, the giant or greater panda and the red or lesser panda. Giantpandas are one of the most recognizable animals because of their unique black and white markings. The redpanda is smaller and looks very much like a raccoon. Both animals live in China and eats lots of bamboo.Also, both have special paws that help them grasp bamboo, their favorite food. For years, scientists havedebated over who is the nearest relative of the giant panda. Some scientists have argued that the giant pandais related to the raccoon and therefore related to the red panda. Some scientists say that because of their sizeand shape they are related to bears. Recently some studies have been done using D.N.A. to test the geneticsimilarities and differences between the two animals. The tests revealed that the giant panda is, in fact, abear. And the red panda is related to raccoons. They also concluded that the similarities it has to the redpanda (tooth structure and skull shape) is the result of them adapting to their lifestyles and habitat.Materials:Required:• Pen or pencilProvided:• Red, White, and Black worksheetProcedures:Preparation:1) Make copies of red, white, and black worksheet.25