Animal+Adaptations+(Arctic+Tundra)

The muskox has fur that is thick, long, and hollow. Although its fur is not white like of most animals in the arctic, many advantages are prominent to having this fur. One major advantage is that the fur hangs almost to the ground, creating a structure similar to a tent. The thick fur causes air that is heated by the ox's body to stay trapped under the ox, which in turn supports the muskox in maintaining its warmth. (C1) The ox's great amount of fur provides it with another advantage: when a group of muskox huddle together, they are able to keep each other warm because of their abundance of fur. Muskox (C2)

Many arctic animals have shorter legs and smaller, more-rounded ears, which help in minimizing heat loss by reducing surface area. These adaptations contribute greatly to the animals' survival. (C3) Arctic Fox (C4)

Animals in the arctic tundra are equipped with a plethora of adaptations. One of these many adaptations is the presence of **rough fur on the bottom of their feet.** It allows animals like polar bears or arctic foxes to maintain a better grip on the icy ground as well as keep their feet, and subsequently their body, better insulated. Another insulation tactic used by arctic animals is their typical large body and short limbs or **compact body structure.** Present in many arctic species, this quality decreases the amount of surface area necessary to keep warm during the frigid winters of the tundra. Many arctic animals also have **thick skin and layers of fat/blubber** that can be over six inches long. Others have thick layers of fur undercoats which maintain warmth. Many animals such as polar bears, caribou, and arctic foxes in the arctic have white fur. The intention of this tactic, known as ** camouflaging **, is to help the animals blend into their snowy environment. However, a polar bear's fur is not actually white, but rather transparent. It is **luminescent **, or reflective of snow and light. The majority of a polar bear's hair is hollow while the inside of it contains keratin, a protein likewise found in human hair and skin. (C5)(C6)(C7)

Polar bear (C8)

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