The polar bear is most commonly found in the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada, Russia, Greenland, and Norway. They originated from brown bears that lived in Ireland during the last ice age. Polar bears are also found in the Canadian High Arctic, Greenland, Svalbard, and Iceland.
Natural Selection
Polar bears have adapted to the harsh Arctic environment through natural selection. Over time, traits that help them survive in the cold have become more common. Thick, dense, and fat fur keeps them warm in freezing temperatures. Bears with more insulation had a better chance of survival. Their white fur camouflages them in the snow, helping them hunt seals more effectively. Large paws help polar bears move across snow and ice without sinking, making it easier to find food. They are strong swimmers, allowing them to hunt seals in the water.
Research
For many years, a fossil found at Kew Bridge in London was considered the oldest polar bear specimen. The polar bear’s closest ancestor is a land carnivore we associate more strongly with our forests. The polar bear as a species is less than 480,000 years old. Researchers discovered a hybrid grizzly/polar bear in the Canadian Arctic in 2006, proving that polar and grizzly bears can interbreed in the wild. The polar bear has evolved over time from the common brown bear by changing its fur colour to white. The first person to find the polar bear was “Willam Barents,” while the first person to describe it was “Commander C.J. Phipps.”
Evolutionary Process
The polar bear has evolved over time from the common brown bear by changing its fur colour to white, the ideal colour to blend in with its ice-covered surroundings.
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Born and raised in the vibrant city of Calamba, Philippines, a 10-year-old storyteller brings a spark of imagination and creativity wherever he goes. A passionate lover of tales, he enjoys crafting stories that transport people to new worlds.
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