Polar Bears Are Unique
by Owen Borville
June 26, 2020
Biology
The polar bear is a unique creation and its body showcases the elements of design. Males can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and extend 10 feet long, while the females are smaller. Despite having a white color, the polar bears fur is actually clear or transparent and its skin is black. Their black skin allows them to absorb as much heat as possible from the sun as sunlight is reflected off of its clear fur. Polar bears also have a thick layer of body fat to keep them warm in the cold Arctic climate along with their fur coat. The white color appearance of their fur actually helps camouflage the polar bears.
The polar bear feasts mainly on seals as it needs large amounts of fat to survive. The polar bear catches the seals as they come up to the surface to breathe. Polar bears also have a strong nose that helps them find food up to a kilometer away and underneath the thick ice. Polar bears are also good swimmers, swimming up to 6 miles per hour. Their front feet have a webbed shape to help them swim, measuring 12 inches across, and because of this are classified as marine mammals. Their feet are also specially designed to walk across the ice and keep from slipping, as small bumps known as papillae on the foot provide traction.
The loss of sea ice in the Arctic is affecting the habitats of polar bears and is the biggest threat to the future survival of polar bears.
by Owen Borville
June 26, 2020
Biology
The polar bear is a unique creation and its body showcases the elements of design. Males can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and extend 10 feet long, while the females are smaller. Despite having a white color, the polar bears fur is actually clear or transparent and its skin is black. Their black skin allows them to absorb as much heat as possible from the sun as sunlight is reflected off of its clear fur. Polar bears also have a thick layer of body fat to keep them warm in the cold Arctic climate along with their fur coat. The white color appearance of their fur actually helps camouflage the polar bears.
The polar bear feasts mainly on seals as it needs large amounts of fat to survive. The polar bear catches the seals as they come up to the surface to breathe. Polar bears also have a strong nose that helps them find food up to a kilometer away and underneath the thick ice. Polar bears are also good swimmers, swimming up to 6 miles per hour. Their front feet have a webbed shape to help them swim, measuring 12 inches across, and because of this are classified as marine mammals. Their feet are also specially designed to walk across the ice and keep from slipping, as small bumps known as papillae on the foot provide traction.
The loss of sea ice in the Arctic is affecting the habitats of polar bears and is the biggest threat to the future survival of polar bears.