Mandible (above) and dorsal surface (below) of cranium
from Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

    Note the lateral expansion of the zygomatic arch to accommodate enlarged masseter muscles, and reorientation of the tooth rows toward the midline. This arrangement gives greater mechanical strength in chewing bamboo, the only food item in the Panda's diet.


All text material © 2005 by Steven M. Carr