Ursoidea

Ursoidea is a superfamily of caniform carnivoran mammals that includes bears and red pandas. The name Ursoidea comes from the Latin word "ursus," meaning bear. This superfamily is characterized by a relatively large body size, a short muzzle, and a plantigrade stance. Members of Ursoidea are found in diverse habitats across the globe, from the Arctic tundra to the forests of Asia.

The superfamily Ursoidea is divided into two extant families: Ursidae and Ailuridae. The Ursidae family, commonly known as bears, includes well-known species such as the brown bear, polar bear, and giant panda. Bears are typically omnivorous, though some species have specialized diets, like the polar bear's reliance on seals. The Ailuridae family contains only one living species, the red panda, which is native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. The red panda is primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on bamboo.

Fossil evidence suggests that the Ursidae and Ailuridae lineages diverged sometime in the late Eocene or early Oligocene epochs. Early ursids were likely smaller and more arboreal than modern bears. The evolutionary history of Ursoidea reflects adaptations to various ecological niches and dietary shifts over millions of years.