Content
- the polar bear
- How to survive the cold
- Theories on how the polar bear survives in the cold thanks to its fur
You polar bears not only are they one of the most beautiful animals in the world, they are also one of the most interesting scientifically. These bears live in the Arctic Circle, surviving one of the most extreme climates in our world.
Here is the question: how the polar bear survives in the cold of the Arctic pole. Scientists have spent many years investigating how this animal manages to conserve heat. In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will introduce you to the different theories that have emerged to answer this enigma.
the polar bear
The polar bear, also known as White Bear, is a carnivorous mammal of the family of Ursidae, more specifically, Ursus Maritimus.
It is a bear with a more elongated body and more formed legs. The weight of males ranges between 300 and 650 kilos, although there are known cases that reached a much greater weight.
Females weigh much less, about half. However, when they are pregnant, they must strive to store large amounts of fat, as it will be from this fat that survives during pregnancy and the first months of the offspring's life.
Although it can also walk, it does this clumsily, as the polar bear feels better swimming. In fact, they can swim hundreds of kilometers.
As we said before, the polar bears are carnivores. The few times they surface, it is usually to hunt. Their most common prey are seals, walrus belugas or young specimens of walruses.
How to survive the cold
As you can imagine, one of the factors for polar bear can survive in the cold it's your fur. Although this explanation is too simple.
Underneath the skin of polar bears is a thick layer of fat that protects them from the cold. Then, as in other mammals in this area, their fur is divided into two layers: an inferior and an external one. The outer layer is stronger to protect the thinner and denser inner layer. However, as we will see later, the fur of polar bears is considered a marvel in terms of capturing and retaining heat.
Another factor in their morphology that helps to conserve heat is their compact ears and its small tail. By having this structure and shape, they are able to avoid unnecessary heat loss.
Theories on how the polar bear survives in the cold thanks to its fur
It is not exactly demonstrated how polar bears manage to overcome such extreme temperatures, although almost all theories are related to:
- The capture of heat
- retention
One study supports that the polar bear fur is hollow, Besides transparent. We see the white fur as it is reflected in the environment that surrounds it. It's curious since, on the other hand, their skin is black.
At first, the hair would capture the infrared rays of the sun, then it would not be clear how, it would transmit them to the skin. The hair's function would be to retain heat. But there are more theories:
- One of them claims that the hair catches the air bubbles in the environment. These bubbles convert into a protective layer that would protect you from the cold.
- Another says that the polar bear's skin emits electromagnetic waves that would heat the bear.
But of course, it's all theories. One thing scientists agree is that polar bears have more problems with overheating than freezing. Hence, one of the great threats for this species is the warming of our planet due to contamination.
If you are a bear lover and want to know more about other species of this wonderful mammal, don't miss our article that talks about feeding the panda bear.
