In fact, the classification of giant pandas has been controversial for a long time. At first, people tried to divide the giant panda into Xiong Ke and Xiong Huan families, but after 1980s, the giant panda family was the most popular, which meant it was an independent family.
For a long time, because we don't know the origin of the giant panda's name, we naturally associate it with cats. In fact, the characteristics of giant pandas and cats are far apart.
But in fact, there is not much genetic relationship between giant pandas and cats. Many scientific evidences show that the DNA sequence of giant pandas is closer to that of Xiong Ke.
Feline is a carnivorous mammal, which is characterized by a round skull, claws, very fast running and good flexibility. Cats belong to one family and five genera, namely cats, leopards, lynxes, cheetahs and clouded leopards.
At present, the ancestors of most carnivores lived in an animal called the little bone cat about 6.5438+0.2 million years ago. This animal looks like the raccoon we see today. At present, dogs, cats, Xiong Ke animals and bear-happy animals have the same ancestors as the small-boned cats. These animals are similar in many ways, but they will all evolve independently of each other in the future. Therefore, it is possible that giant pandas share a common ancestor with bears and cats.
However, some people argue that the giant panda does not belong to Xiong Ke or Xiong Huan family, but should be established alongside Xiong Ke and Xiong Huan families, among which there are only 1 species of giant pandas. Scholars in China account for the majority of those who hold this view.