Polar Bears Research Paper

Polar bears are marine mammals, they spend most of their time on Arctic sea Ice. Polar Bears live in the Arctic region.The Arctic is a polar region located at the northernmost part of the Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Alaska, Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. The polar bear is a carnivorous bear whose native range lies largely within the Arctic Circle.

A new genetic study suggests that Polar bears arose between 4-5 million years ago and thus survived the more than 50 glacial/inter-glacial cycles of the 2.5 million year Pleistocene epoch. However they do not have a precise genetic record or fossil record.

Their "job" in the environment however is quite simple, …show more content…
Depending upon their location, they also eat harp and hooded seals and scavenge on carcasses of beluga whales, walruses, narwhals, and bow head whales.

Considering how long Polar bears have been alive, you can imagine how many traits or adaptations they have. The polar bear is the largest land carnivore. Male polar bears (boars) grow two to three times the size of females (sows). Boars weigh about 350 to more than 650 kg (772-1,433 lb.) and are about 2.5 to 3 m (8.2-9.8 ft.) long. Sows weigh about 150 to 250 kg (331-551 lb.) and are about 1.8 to 2.5 m (6.0-8.2 ft.) long. Pregnant females can weigh as much as 500 kg (1,102 lb.). The largest polar bear ever recorded was a male weighing 1,002 kg (2,209 lb.) and measuring 3.7 m (12 ft.) long. Compared to other bears, polar bears have more slender bodies and longer necks and heads. The coat can vary from pure white to yellow to light brown depending upon season and angle of light. The hind limbs are longer than the forelimbs. This makes the large, muscular hind end stand higher than the shoulders. Feet are five-toed paws. Polar bears have large paws compared to body size, reaching 30 cm (12 in.) in …show more content…
The large The fore paws are round and partially webbed. The hind paws are elongated. Each toe has a thick, curved, non-retractile claw. The claws are used for grasping prey and for traction when running or climbing on ice. The sole of a polar bear's foot has thick, black pads covered with small, soft papillae (dermal bumps). The papillae create friction between the foot and ice to prevent slipping. Long hairs growing between pads and toes also help prevent slipping. A polar bear's head is oblong and relatively small compared to body size. The muzzle is elongated with a "Roman-nosed" (slightly arched) snout. The nose is broad and black. Polar bears have 42 teeth, which they use for catching food and for aggressive behavior. Polar bears use their incisors to shear off pieces of blubber and flesh. Canine teeth grasp prey and tear tough hides. Jagged premolars and molars tear and chew. Polar bears swallow most food in large chunks rather than chewing. A polar bear's eyes are dark brown, set relatively close together, and face forward. The ears are small compared to those of other bears - an adaptation that enables them to conserve body heat. The tail is small, about 7 to 12 cm (2.8-4.7 in.) long. Polar

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