Evolution Of Polar Bears

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One of the main differences between the Polar Bear and other types of bears is where it lives. When the Polar Bear was first discovered, it was very unusual that it would live in this extremely cold part of the world. There is information to suggest that millions of years ago the evolution process began. Evolution is a process of changes that take place as something exists over time. Researchers believe that a large number of brown bears became isolated from the rest of the population during a time period when portions of the world were covered with ice. Therefore, these brown bears evolved in order to adapt to the environment in which they needed to survive. One of the most significant changes that occurred is that the Polar Bear’s teeth are much different than other bears. The Polar Bear has large, sharp teeth designed specifically to get through ice and get …show more content…

Ask students to name some of the challenges that Polar Bears face.

Students should discuss the cold weather and difficulties finding food.

Explanation:
The Arctic climate is covered with snow and ice. The temperatures are very cold. The Polar Bear’s coat has two layers of fur and a layer of blubber (thick fat) underneath. Polar Bears use their big front paws to paddle through the water and their oil coated fur helps keep them dry when they get out of the water. A Polar Bear spends months wandering across the frozen surface of the Arctic, looking for food. They eat walruses, birds, fish and seals. Sometimes a Polar Bear has to spend a lot of time in the water searching for food or swimming from place to place to find something to eat.

Ask how a Polar Bear is “built” to live in the Arctic.

Discuss features such as sharp claws, sharp teeth, thick fur coat, blubber and big flat paws.

What type of climates do other bears live in?

Discussion should include forests and mountains.

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