polar bear Environment & adaptations
The polar bear's environment is in the Northern, Arctic region where temperatures can be below -40 degrees fahrenheit. The region is mostly covered with ice, with small and large glaciers glistening in the sun. There is also much more water than in the past. As you can imagine, the water is extremely cold. Only a select number of species can survive in this dangerously frigid region.
Over a period of time, the polar bears' bodies adapted for protection from the frigid temperatures. Polar bears have thick fur, tough hide and a fat layer that provide insulation to keep their bodies regulated to 98 degrees fahrenheit even in the most treacherous temperatures. This insulation is called thermoregulation. In fact, they are so well insulated they can overheat easily. To avoid overheating polar bears move slowly and take time to rest. To survive in this horrific, Arctic environment polar bears became very strong swimmers. They can swim for several hours without resting at speeds up to 10 kph or 6.2 mph. Polar bears generally make shallow dives but can dive as deep as 6 m or 20 ft. Their swimming and diving abilities help them hunt their prey and navigate their icy habitat. The frigid, Arctic environment and the many physical adaptations of the brown bear led to the creation of the polar bear.
Over a period of time, the polar bears' bodies adapted for protection from the frigid temperatures. Polar bears have thick fur, tough hide and a fat layer that provide insulation to keep their bodies regulated to 98 degrees fahrenheit even in the most treacherous temperatures. This insulation is called thermoregulation. In fact, they are so well insulated they can overheat easily. To avoid overheating polar bears move slowly and take time to rest. To survive in this horrific, Arctic environment polar bears became very strong swimmers. They can swim for several hours without resting at speeds up to 10 kph or 6.2 mph. Polar bears generally make shallow dives but can dive as deep as 6 m or 20 ft. Their swimming and diving abilities help them hunt their prey and navigate their icy habitat. The frigid, Arctic environment and the many physical adaptations of the brown bear led to the creation of the polar bear.