How does the structural composition of the polar bear help it to survive in its habitat?
The polar bear's many physical features help it to happily survive in the wet, cold, and icy Arctic. Its white fur provides warmth for the bear in the icy air and water when it swims. The white colour is actually transparent and helps the bear camouflage in the ice and snow. The fur of the polar bear is hollow and filled with air which make the bear buoyant when swimming and it acts as extra insulation for the bear (from the air). Its fur also reflects heat back into the body as it tries to escape from its skin. Its black skin helps it to absorb light rays from the sun and provide the bear with lots of heat. The polar bear's paws are covered with small bumps called papillae which give them great grip to prevent the bear from slipping on the ice. Its claws are very sharp so that the bear can easily dig through ice to find food and other necessities. Its teeth are also sharp because this carnivorous mammal needs them to capture, kill, and consume its prey. The bear also has a thick layer of blubber, about 11cm thick, under its skin to insulate its body. This mammal has a very small tail and ears for a reason: to prevent heat loss because these areas are where most heat is lost in the body. Every body part of the polar bear has a specific function and they all work together to help the polar bear survive the challenges it must face in the Arctic.