FunWhat color is the fur of polar bears?

What color is the fur of polar bears?

The polar bear, commonly called the white bear, is a carnivorous mammal that represents the largest predator in its natural environment. It is the most characteristic species of the North Pole and, thanks to its thick white fur, it is in perfect harmony with the surrounding icy environment. But is the color of the polar bear really white? What color is the fur of polar bears?

What color is the fur of polar bears?

The polar bear , of the Ursus maritimus species, is a large carnivorous mammal belonging to the Ursidae family. The species lives at the North Pole in the Arctic Ocean and is the largest land carnivore that exists on our planet along with the Kodiak bear; Compared to the other species of Ursids, it has a more elongated body due to its adaptation to semi-aquatic life. Its habitat is included in 6 countries: Canada, the United States (Alaska), Russia, Greenland, Norway , Iceland.

They are also usually called white bears, but the truth is that the true color of their fur is totally the opposite since in reality, the individual hairs of the polar bear’s body are transparent and hollow , in fact they are tubular, so that in their they are white as a whole because they scatter and reflect visible light inside. The epidermis under the coat is very dark , like the nose and tongue, and it effectively absorbs solar energy.

The dense layer of hair, trapping air, has the function of reducing heat loss by convection. The insulating power of the hair is favored by piloerection, induced by the autonomic nervous system, which increases the thickness of the coat. With the passage of age and aging, the hair turns yellow , in species kept in captivity and in humid environments, the fur acquires a green color due to the algae that grow inside the capillary cavities.

Are Polar Bears Invisible?

On the other hand, the fur of this incredible animal has insulating properties that serve to protect itself from the cold. But in addition, the species has another characteristic that is surprising: invisibility . Scientists, during an expedition in the Arctic Ocean, have observed these huge mammals through infrared cameras and have discovered that they appear completely invisible. Only the legs, nose, eyes, and breath are noticeable. This happens because the hairs emit few infrared rays and emit very little heat ; only the legs and muzzle emit perceptible heat.

Other characteristics of the polar bear

The polar bear can be considered a non-mandatory marine mammal. Although its body is not very hydrodynamic, it is an excellent swimmer with large, partially webbed forelegs. This species can swim 90 km at a speed of 10 km / h without stopping . Its speed and skill make the polar bear an efficient hunter. It is the main predator in the food chain in its natural environment , which means that it has no predators. The only danger for this species is the human being.

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