Asia | For decades, there was debate over what kind of animal the giant panda actually is. A bear? A raccoon? It shares characteristics with both. After taking a molecular look, we learned it’s a bear, BUT these black and white bears were the first to branch off of the family tree. Pandas can be called “living fossils” since they’re so genetically distant from their cousins. . . . . . . . #animalsofinstagram #animalplanet #animaloftheday #wild #wildlife #outdoors #animals #wildanimals #conservation #nature #animallovers #instanature #wildgeography #wildlifeonearth #asia #animalsofasia #panda