Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why does polar bear fur appear white despite lacking pigment?
Why does polar bear fur appear white despite lacking pigment?
- A reaction with the cold air results in a white coating on the fur.
- Sunlight reflecting off the snow gives the illusion of white fur. (correct)
- The fur contains reflective pigments that scatter light, creating a white appearance.
- The hollow structure of the fur refracts light, making it appear white.
How does the third eyelid benefit polar bears in their environment?
How does the third eyelid benefit polar bears in their environment?
- It acts like a pair of sunglasses reducing sun glare and harmful UV rays. (correct)
- It helps them blink in blizzards without losing visibility.
- It helps them see better underwater when hunting for seals.
- It reflects heat back into their eyes to keep them warm.
In what way do polar bears use their front and back limbs differently when swimming?
In what way do polar bears use their front and back limbs differently when swimming?
- They keep their back legs still against their body to reduce drag, and propel with their front paws only.
- They use their front paws to paddle and back legs as a rudder. (correct)
- They alternate between using front and back paws for propulsion to conserve energy.
- They use their front paws for steering and back legs for propulsion.
Why do polar bears spend more than half of their time hunting?
Why do polar bears spend more than half of their time hunting?
Besides seals, what other food sources might a polar bear consume?
Besides seals, what other food sources might a polar bear consume?
How does climate change threaten the polar bear population?
How does climate change threaten the polar bear population?
What is the significance of WWF using satellite technology in Arctic conservation efforts?
What is the significance of WWF using satellite technology in Arctic conservation efforts?
If the Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world, what are the likely environmental consequences?
If the Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world, what are the likely environmental consequences?
What is a key characteristic of polar bear adaptation that assists with hunting seals under thick ice and snow?
What is a key characteristic of polar bear adaptation that assists with hunting seals under thick ice and snow?
Which adaptation is most crucial for polar bears to survive the extreme cold temperatures of the Arctic?
Which adaptation is most crucial for polar bears to survive the extreme cold temperatures of the Arctic?
Flashcards
Polar Bear Fur
Polar Bear Fur
Clear, hollow hairs that lack pigment, appearing white due to sun reflection on snow.
Polar Bear Third Eyelid
Polar Bear Third Eyelid
Acts as a UV filter, protecting from the sun's glare reflecting off snow and ice.
Polar Bear Insulation
Polar Bear Insulation
Insulation from cold temperatures via fur and a thick layer of body fat.
Polar Bear Swimming
Polar Bear Swimming
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Polar Bear Hunting
Polar Bear Hunting
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Polar Bear Diet
Polar Bear Diet
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Arctic Climate Change Effects
Arctic Climate Change Effects
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WWF Conservation Efforts
WWF Conservation Efforts
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Study Notes
- The Arctic is a habitat known for icy waters, snow-covered tundra, and wildlife like the polar bear.
Polar Bear Fur
- Polar bear fur appears white but is made of clear, hollow hairs without pigment.
- The sun's reflection on the snow makes the fur appear white, yellow, or brown depending on the time of year and polar bear activity.
Adaptations to Harsh Conditions
- Polar bears have a third eyelid that acts as a UV filter to protect their eyes from the sun's glare.
- Fur insulates body heat, and a thick layer of body fat protects them from the cold.
Swimming Abilities
- Polar bears can swim through Arctic waters at up to six miles per hour.
- They paddle with their front paws and use their back legs as a boat rudder.
- Adult polar bear paws are about 12 inches wide.
Hunting and Diet
- Polar bears spend over 50% of their time hunting for food to create fat reserves.
- Their diet mainly consists of seals, which are a good source of fat.
- Polar bears can detect seals beneath three feet of snow and ice using their sense of smell.
- They are opportunistic feeders and will hunt anything that looks or smells interesting, including fish, whales, seabirds, and kelp.
Climate Change Threats
- Climate change reduces polar bears' access to food.
- The Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world, resulting in melting sea ice, thawing permafrost, and rising sea levels.
Conservation Efforts
- WWF uses satellite technology to monitor polar bear range and track changes in their movements due to shifting sea ice.
- WWF works with Arctic communities with polar bear populations to protect Arctic species and habitats.
- Individuals can help polar bears by reducing their climate impact and encouraging others to do the same.
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