Panda: Herbivore, Carnivore, Omnivore. Read first and provide details...?

Question

Ok, I have up until recently been sure that pandas are herbivores, but now I have my doubts. I've been looking up stuff, and it says that pandas are capable of digesting meat have a body built for meat (big bulky body, sharp teeth, digestive system or a carnivore, etc.). I don't know how reliable these sources are, but I still wonder...I saw on an official website that they are perfectly capable of eating rodents and carrion (half-eaten corpes basically). They also attack humans occasionally. Does this all of this classify them as a carnivore? I think that is there taxonomy classification. Or does it classify them as an omnivore because they are capable of both? Or a herbivore because bamboo makes up most of their diet.

Also, in a barely related question: would a human vegetarian be classified as an omnivore or a herbivore?

Please give alot of details...and thank you.

Answer 1

A panda is an omnivore.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Panda

(It says there that the giant panda is a carnivore, but they also eat bamboo, so they are omnivores.)

Answer 2

The classification of the giant panda in the order Carnivora can be a little confusing. However, this classification is based on the panda's genetic traits and anatomical features, and not on their eating habits.

This is from the Smithsonian National Zoo...

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantP...

You might like to read this -- also from the National Zoo. It explains how animals are classified. It will help to clarify what is confusing you...

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantP...

If you like pandas, check out their "panda-cam" while you're at the website.

Answer 3

Eu acho que é herbivoro, acertei?