We have interesting answers to this question from our scientists. The next links takes you to our database where you can read them. A paragraph of one of these answers is below:
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"In the past, people thought that the raccoon family and the bear family were very closely related. This picture shows a newer idea about the Carnivora family tree. It is based on DNA. The red panda and the giant panda have similar names, but you can see that the red panda is not a bear. Some scientists put the red panda in the raccoon family. The new picture shows the idea that red pandas might be so different from other carnivores that they should have their own family".

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