The giant panda has a black-and-white coat. Adults measure around 1.2 to 1.8 m (4 to 6 ft) long, including a tail of about 13 cm (5.1 in), and 60 to 90 cm (2.0 to 3.0 ft) tall at the shoulder.[13] Males can weigh up to 160 kg (350 lb).[14] Females (generally 10–20% smaller than males)[15] can weigh as little as 75 kg (170 lb), but can also weigh up to 125 kg (280 lb).[4][16] Average adult weight is 100 to 115 kg (220 to 250 lb).[17]
The giant panda has a body shape typical of bears. It has black fur on its ears, eye patches, muzzle, legs, arms and shoulders. The rest of the animal's coat is white. Although scientists do not know why these unusual bears are black and white, speculation suggests that the bold coloring provides effective camouflage in their shade-dappled snowy and rocky habitat.[18] The giant panda's thick, wooly coat keeps it warm in the cool forests of its habitat.[18] It has large molar teeth and strong jaw-muscles for crushing tough bamboo