Panda bears have evolved over time to consume a specific diet that primarily consists of bamboo. Historically, bamboo was an abundant food source for pandas since very few animals were able to digest bamboo's rough exterior. Pandas must eat large quantities of bamboo because it contains very little nutritional value. Environmental changes over time such as warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have reduced the amount of naturally occurring bamboo. Deforestation and human development have also reduced the amount of bamboo, which created the possibility pandas will become extinct in the future.

Question

What TWO environmental factors are MOST likely causing pandas to become extinct?

increased predators
high levels of acid rain
climate changes
reduced soil availability
greater intraspecies competition

Answer 1

The TWO environmental factors MOST likely causing pandas to become extinct are:

1. Climate changes - These changes can affect the growth and availability of bamboo, which is the primary food source for pandas. Warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns can lead to a decline in bamboo populations.

2. Deforestation and human development - Although not explicitly listed, the reduction of natural habitats due to human activities contributes to the loss of bamboo groves and limits the space available for pandas to live and find food.

While the listed options do not directly mention deforestation, "climate changes" is a clear factor impacting bamboo availability. The other options such as increased predators or greater intraspecies competition are less relevant in the context of habitat and food availability.