Pandas: The Unintentional Vegetarians?
“No thank you, I’d rather not try the steak. I’ll stick with my usual bamboo.” This is quite possibly what pandas would say at mealtime if they could talk. Is it because pandas are averse to the Atkins Diet? Or perhaps they are avid PETA members?
According to scientists in China, the answer is far simpler — They believe that pandas may lack meat taste buds, therefore rendering them unable to experience savory flavors like meat and other high-protein foods. The Beijing Genomics Institute used genome mapping led to discover mutations in certain sequences of the panda’s taste gene. It could also help uncover other secrets to help ensure the survival of this endangered species.
“This is very exciting for the giant panda research community because much of it is new to us,” said Zhang Liming, a researcher at the Wolong Panda Nature Reserve in western Sichuan province. “Further research involving genome mapping will help us develop better technology for giant panda breeding and disease prevention.”
Next time you’re at a family bbq, be thankful for your ability to taste meat and think of the panda who is unable to.
