The Arctic Tundra: Home to the Polar Bears

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The Arctic tundra, a vast plain of ice and water, is located on the northern poles of the Earth. Characterized by its low precipitation, minimum sunlight, and a layer of permafrost- a thick layer of ice that never thaws away- this biome is very cold, with temperatures as low as negative 70oC. One specific population that has adapted to this harsh environment is the polar bears. The Arctic tundra’s extreme temperatures have caused species, specifically polar bears, to adapt to it. Polar bears feed on animals that live underwater; therefore, they are extremely strong swimmers. Their front paws propel them through the water, and their hind legs are used as rudders. Additionally, they have a thick layer of fat, keeping them warm in the chilly waters of the Arctic. This layer of fat maintains body temperature around 37oC through a process known as thermoregulation, so as to keep polar bears warm, even in the harshest weather. Polar bears, the largest land carnivores, feed on species, such as seals, fish, young walruses, and, sometimes, choose to scavenge on carcasses of different types of whales. Seeing as most of these animals live underwater, polar bears’ habitat is along the coastal areas of the Arctic tundra. They prefer areas with leads- water channels or cracks through ice which remain open to hunt seals- and polynyas- areas of water, surrounded by ice, that remain open year-round. The niche of male polar bears is to obtain food and protect their families. They can become so vicious that they kill other polar bears to obtain basic items, such as food. Female polar bears’ job is to protect their young and teach them how to survive in the Arctic tundra, so they can be prepared to live on their own when they leave their parents. ... ... middle of paper ... ...ella, which can cause death. Polar bears have adapted to a harsh environment we like to call the Arctic tundra. Works Cited "Earth Floor: Biomes." COTF. Web. 07 Mar. 2011. . Gardiner, Lisa. "Arctic Tundra." Windows To The Universe. 6 Feb. 2007. Web. 07 Mar. 2011. . "Life in the Polar Regions: Animals, Plants, and Others in Extreme Environments." Windows to the Universe. 12 Nov. 2010. Web. 07 Mar. 2011. . "POLAR BEARS - InfoBook Index." SeaWorld/Busch Gardens ANIMALS - HOME. Web. 16 Mar. 2011. . "What's It Like Where You Live?" MBGnet. Web. 16 Mar. 2011. .

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