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BON3SMcCOY t1_j1ljj6q wrote

Silly question, but why are flexible ankles required to do this?

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konosyn t1_j1mubka wrote

They have to turn them backwards, essentially, so that their claws can grip the bark on the way down.

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Cluefuljewel t1_j21iub8 wrote

They have an adaptation that is sometimes called a “pseudo thumb”which is actually an elongated wrist bone. It helps them grip bamboo. Red pandas are sooooo cute!

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