Adaptations

Jääkaru kohastumine

THE POLAR BEAR IS WELL ADAPTED TO LIVING IN THE ARCTIC ENVIRONMENT:

  • The fur, made up of an outer layer of long guard hairs and a dense undercoat of short hairs, is oily and water-resistant. It has excellent insulation properties and keeps the bear warm.
  • Black skin absorbs radiation heat from the sun.
  • The long transparent guard hairs trap the sunlight and make the polar bear’s coat appear white.
  • Subcutaneous fat layer (up to 11 cm thick) gives energy and provides buoyancy.
  • Huge forepaws act as paddles when swimming.
  • Hind feet push and serve as rudders.
  • The soles are hairy and the black sole pads are covered with papillae, which prevent slipping on the ice.
  • Webbing between the toes of the forepaws allows for effective swimming.
  • Strong and up to 5 cm long sharp claws are used to gain traction on the ice, grip the prey and dig the den.
  • The huge stomach is capable of digesting large amounts of energy-rich food.
  • Slow moving (ca 4 km/h) guarantees energy saving.
  • The elongated muzzle and neck help to warm the cold and arid inhaled air before it reaches the lung
  • Small round ears minimize heat loss.
  • Eyes are covered with a membrane, which shields them from bright sunlight.
  • When diving, the polar bear’s nostrils close and it can stay underwater for up to three minutes.