Why are pandas black and white all over?

Photo: flickr/Chi KingPandas are weird bears - not only do these vegetarians survive solely on bamboo, but their coloring is also one of the most distinctive in the animal kingdom. Why are pandas black and white? Does this distinct color pattern serve a function? Here, scientists set out to explain why pandas look the way they do. The researchers propose that it's not about temperature regulation; rather, the white parts of the panda allow it to hide in a snowy background, while its black shoulders and legs help it hide in shade. Not only that, pandas might use their dark ears and eye marks to recognize individuals and communicate. But perhaps more importantly, the black and white coloring has made pandas the butt of some really bad jokes. The effect these jokes have on the survival of the giant panda remains to be tested. Why is the giant panda black ...