How does a Polar Bear keep warm in cold Northern weather?
A. It curls up into a tight ball and shivers to generate body heat B. It has translucent hair and black skin that absorbs and preserves body heat C. It runs really fast to increase blood flow and circulation D. It buries itself in the snow (which acts like a big fuzzy blanket!)
ANSWER: (b) It has translucent hair and black skin that absorbs and preserves body heat Polar bears are beautifully adapted to their arctic surroundings. Their thick coats (made up of glossy guard hairs and dense under fur) and a thick layer of fat beneath the skin help protect them against the cold. Their hair is translucent and reflects the sun’s heat down to the base of the hairs, where it is absorbed by their black skin.
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Polar bears are one of the most well-known and recognizable Canadian species. These bears are Canada’s largest land carnivore, with adult males weighing up to 800 kilograms (1763 pounds).
This month we’re featuring this stunning photograph of a polar bear (Ursus maritimus).
