Animal Life In the Tundra
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There are about fifty known animal species living in the tundra regions. They have adapted to the cold and harsh environment. Below are a few examples of thriving species and their adaptations.
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The Polar Bear, who is a large white-furred predator of the Tundra. One of the many reasons they are suitable to survive is because of their hair. Their hair is long and stiff, allowing traction on their feet when they come into contact with ice, also their hair is hollow so that it can dry quickly after being submerged in the freezing waters. Their ears are small and rounded which prevent freezing water from damaging the inside of their ear and eardrum. They have a thick layer of fat which keeps them warm in the winters, which can add up to 11 centimeters thick. The skin underfur is black which allows better heat retention. Lastly, the thick white coat functions as camouflage, which allows the bear to capture prey more easily.
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The Caribou, are also surviving in the Tundra. They are able to survive In the winter because the pads of their hoofs shrink and the hair between their toes covers the pads to keep the caribou warm. The biggest adaptation caribou have is the ability to feed on lichens because they have large enough stomachs to digest them. This allows a source of food and energy to live on in the winter season. The outside hair is hollow and this does two things; it acts as a insulating layer to conserve body heat and allows them buoyancy when swimming. Their coat also fades to light beige as a camouflage against predators.
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The Arctic Fox, which is currently still enduring the tundra cold has acquired adaptations of its own. They are short, heavily furred, and have rounded ears. This body structure limits the dispersal of heat. The fur coat changes color. In the summer, the fur is reddish brown, when winter comes it develops a layer of insulating fat, and a thick white coat, including fur on the bottom of its paws. This allows camouflage from predators and insulation, which both help the arctic fox to survive.
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The Snowy Owl, along with the others has adapted to the harsh domain. The owl has light coloration which helps the owl to camouflage when perched on snow. Thick feathers helps to insulate the owl's entire body, including its legs and toes, enabling it to maintain a body temperature of 38 - 40 degrees Celsius, even when the air temperature drops to -50 degrees Celsius. Unlike most owls, they are active both by night and day because daylight is continuous during much of the summer season.
Q: What kind of math do Snowy Owls like?
A: Owlgebra.
A: Owlgebra.