Scientists have found the cause of the extinction of pandas

Having studied the intestinal tract pandas, scientists came to a phenomenal conclusion: the body of these animals is not adapted to digest plant food. Specifically, the result of the imperfection of the digestive tract bears suffer from colic, sleep a lot and indifferent to sex.

Scientists from China have concluded that pandas were in a kind of evolutionary trap. Their digestive system is the same, like all predators, to extract maximum benefit from the plants they lack the intestinal flora herbivores, informs The Guardian. Specifically, in consequence, these animals can not fully digest the bamboo is practically their only source of food. Along with this, in the course of evolution they have lost the desire to eat meat.

The researchers analyzed the composition of bacteria in 121 samples of faeces 45 of giant pandas. The tests were taken in spring, summer and autumn. It was found that in the intestinal tract of pandas there are no bacteria that digest plant fiber. Along with this their digestive tract contains the smallest organisms that are configured to break down proteins. Such microflora distinctive for carnivorous and omnivorous bears. Also in this species of bear is missing a four-chamber stomach, like all herbivores. The results of the study clarified for researchers some mysterious characteristics of pandas, such as the love of many hours of sleep, intestinal colic and rare pairing.

These animals spend 14 hours a day eating leaves and roots of bamboo and with all this digest only 17% of the food. Not needas, the animal must sleep 12 hours a day to conserve energy, which it lacks. The inefficiency of the digestive system and explains the constant colic, which suffer pandas. "This sounds like irritable intestinal tract in the body of the inhabitant of our planet. Stomach cramps are forcing pandas to refuse food and lie down for a few days, waiting until they pass away," - said the Director of a zoo in Edinburgh Ian Valentine. Researchers excited new opening, because of imperfect digestive system and low sexual activity can lead to the extinction of this species of bear, the population of which at the present moment and so on the verge of extinction.

Experts hope that pandas are separated from their own carnivorous brothers and became herbivores about 2 million years ago. Background transition is not a vegetarian diet is unknown. Perhaps in their habitat was more plant food than animal, and gradually, at the genetic level, in animals entrenched dislike of meat.

sections: Society, World News