Arctic Fox Quizlet Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the species name of the arctic fox?

Vulpes lagopus

What are burrows?

Holes or tunnels small animals use as underground nests

What is another name for a fox's tail?

Brush

When is the mating period for arctic foxes?

Early September to early May Signup and view all the answers

What color is the arctic fox's fur in the summer, and why?

Gray or brown, to blend in with the rocks and foliage around it Signup and view all the answers

What color is the arctic fox's fur in the winter?

White, sometimes with a blue tint Signup and view all the answers

What is the arctic fox's primary prey?

Lemmings, as well as other small rodents like voles and arctic hares Signup and view all the answers

What are lemmings?

Little rodents four or five inches long that look like fat, round mice Signup and view all the answers

What is a vole?

Little mouse-like rodent Signup and view all the answers

What does litter refer to in the context of arctic foxes?

The amount of fox pups born Signup and view all the answers

Where does the arctic fox inhabit?

The arctic tundra, as well as Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Alaska, Russia, Norway, and Scandinavia Signup and view all the answers

Is the arctic fox a carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore?

Omnivore Signup and view all the answers

What trophic level are arctic foxes on?

Primary or secondary consumer level Signup and view all the answers

How many pups do arctic foxes usually have?

5-9 Signup and view all the answers

On average, how long are arctic foxes?

2.3 to 3.5 feet Signup and view all the answers

How long do arctic foxes live?

3-6 years in the wild, but up to 13 years in captivity Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature helps the arctic fox hunt?

Incredible hearing aided by wide, front-facing ears Signup and view all the answers

What is the arctic tundra like?

Barren and rocky, without much vegetation Signup and view all the answers

Is the arctic fox endangered?

False Signup and view all the answers

How big is the arctic fox population?

In the hundred thousands Signup and view all the answers

Is the arctic fox hunted for its fur?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the biggest threat to the arctic fox?

The red fox Signup and view all the answers

What do arctic foxes do in the winter when food is scarce?

Follow polar bears and scavenge off their kills Signup and view all the answers

How fast can the arctic fox move?

Up to 50 km per hour Signup and view all the answers

How much cold can the arctic fox endure?

Temperatures as low as -50 degrees Celsius Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Species Information

Arctic fox scientific name: Vulpes lagopus
Primary habitats include the arctic tundra and regions like Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Alaska, Russia, Norway, and Scandinavia.

Physical Characteristics

Summer fur color: Gray or brown for camouflage among rocks and foliage.
Winter fur color: White with a possible blue tint for blending in with the snow.
Average size ranges from 2.3 to 3.5 feet in length.

Diet and Hunting

Primary diet consists of lemmings, but also includes voles, arctic hares, and some plant matter, classifying them as omnivores.
Unique hunting ability: Incredible hearing facilitated by wide, front-facing ears aids in locating prey beneath the snow.

Reproduction

Mating period spans from early September to early May.
Average litter size is 5-9 pups, but larger litters can occur.
Lifespan in the wild is typically between 3-6 years, while they may live up to 13 years in captivity.

Population and Conservation

Current status: Species of least concern, with a population in the hundred thousands.
While there are concerns about endangerment, hunting pressures have decreased significantly since the late 20th century.
Hunted for fur primarily by native Arctic peoples, but widespread hunting practices have reduced.

Threats and Competition

Red foxes pose the most significant threat, acting as competitors for food.

Winter Behavior

In harsh winter conditions with limited food sources, arctic foxes may scavenge from polar bears after the bears finish their kills.

Adaptations

Extreme cold resistance: Can endure temperatures as low as -50 degrees Celsius.
Capable of running at speeds up to 50 km per hour.

Additional Facts

A burrow serves as an underground nest for arctic foxes, providing shelter and safety.
The term brush refers to the arctic fox's tail.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the Arctic fox with these flashcards! Learn about its species name, burrowing habits, mating periods, and unique characteristics like its tail. Perfect for animal enthusiasts or students studying wildlife.