Antarctica - Polar Bears - Global Warming.

Essay by COBRA88Junior High, 9th gradeA, September 2003

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Polar bears are the worlds largest land predators. They are at the top of the food chain in the artic where they mostly eat seals. The Bears are found in artic areas. Alaska, Canada, Russia, Greenland and Norway.

Polar bears have long bodies with a large head and neck. They have short tails and long claws that have a slight curve. Their colour ranges from pure white in summer and a yellowish tinge in winter and spring. Polar bears have black skin because it absorbs heat. Their coats have an outer layer of glossy guard hair that conceals a heavy layer of sub-cutaneous body fat. A polar bear is so well insulated that it experiences almost zero heat loss. In addition to it's insulating fur, a polar bears fat layer can measure up to 4.5 inches thick. This layer of fat also adds buoyancy in the water. Polar Bears insulation is so good that adult males quickly overheat when they run.

Because of this they usually walk at a leisurely pace so they don't overheat. A polar bear's body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which is average for males.

Polar Bears are the largest members of the bear family. Females grow until they are about 4 years old and get to maximum weights of 300kg, Males continue growing until about 8 years of age and can get from 500 - 600kg and measure between 2.5 - 3.5 metres from nose to tail. Polar Bears are as smart as apes.

Polar Bears are great swimmers, they have been known to swim over 60 miles without resting. Their swimming limit is not known. They have been clocked swimming at 6 miles per hour. Also skilled divers, the Polar Bear's forepaws are partially webbed to help them swim. The massive 12-inch diameter of...