Transcript Mammals - part 2 - polar bears

Polar BearsUrsus maritimus = Sea Bear, evolved from brown bears
200,000 years ago.
• So well insulated with fur and
4.5 in. of blubber, if they run
they will overheat.
• Infrared film cannot pick them
up.
• In the high Artic the sun sets
from Oct. to late Feb. where
temp. can reach -30°F.
• Artic is from Gr. Arktikos =
“country of great bear” Ursus
Major = Big dipper
• Bear temp. is 98.6°F
like most other
mammals.
• Hollow transparent fur
may transmit light
down the shaft to
heat up their black
skin.
• Polar bears primarily
eat seals, up to
100lbs. per meal
• Known to swim for 60
miles with out rest
• Paws are partially
webbed and can
measure 12 inches
across
polar bears