Final answer:
Giant pandas are not bears, but herbivorous carnivores closely related to raccoons. They have unique adaptations that distinguish them from other bears.
Step-by-step explanation:
Giant pandas are not actually bears, but rather a type of mammal known as an herbivorous carnivore. They are most closely related to raccoons and belong to the family Ursidae. While they share some physical characteristics with bears, such as the ability to eat bamboo, they have several unique adaptations that distinguish them from other members of the bear family.