Growth & Reproduction
Pandas mating season is during March and May. The gestation period ranging from 95 to 160 days. The reproductive systems organs works together on the purpose to reproduction. The external genitals (Penis and Vulva) of the reproductive system are the main organs. Male and Females reproductive system contains different types of organs.
The female has three organs, the vagina, which leads from the vulva, the virginal opening, the uterus and the ovaries. The uterus holds the foetus whilst developing, for 95 to 160 days. The ovaries produce the female’s ova.
The male reproductive organs can be grouped in three sections also. The first is the sperm production and storage, which are in the testes (household in the temperature regulating scrotum). The immature sperms are stored to the epididymis to development. The second is the ejaculatory fluid that produces glans that includes the seminal, vesicles, prostate and the vas deferens. The final section consist of the penis, urethra, vas deferens and cowper’s gland, they are for copulation and deposition of the sperm within the male.
The main cells are the sperm and the ova. A mammal sperm cell consist or a head, midpiece and a tail. Multiple sperms travel to the female ovaries to the egg (ova) cell. The ova is much larger than that of the sperm and is not capable of movement. Once one sperm reaches the ova cell of a panda it automatically (owns) the cell and will be the one to share its unique genes and features with the ova. It will take weeks for the cells to develop inside the womb.Once the cubs are fully developed it is ready to exit its mother and begin its new life. If twins are born in the wild only one is likely to survive and the mother will pick out the stronger cubs leaving the weaker to pass away. The mother only carries a large enough milk supply for few cubs meaning that it is vital for the stronger cubs to have what ever the mother can give them. The cub begins to crawl at 75 to 80 days;mothers play with their cubs by rolling and wrestling with them. This act of playing is a way to teach the cubs new fighting methods, stimulating different muscle groups also. The cubs can eat small quantities of bamboo after six months, although mother's milk remains the primary food source for most of the first year. Giant panda cubs weigh 45 kg (100 pounds) at one year, and live with their mothers until they are 18 months to two years old. The interval between births in the wild is generally two years.