Question

Which features adapt polar bears to live in an extremely cold climate?

• A. A white fur, fat below skin, keen sense of smell.
• B. Thin skin, large eyes, a white fur.
• C. A long tail, strong claws, white large paws
• D. White body, paws for swimming, gills for respiration.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

A white fur, fat below skin, keen sense of smell.

The correct option is A.

Explanation of correct option:

1. The polar bear has various adaptations to live in such a freezing climate.
2. The insulating layer of fat is present beneath the skin.
3. Long, curved, sharp claws for walking and running on ice.
4. A thick coat of white fur acts as protection from predators because of its white color that camouflages with the surrounding snow.
5. The thick coating of fur keeps it warm.
6. A strong sense of smell helps them to find their prey.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option B:

1. The polar bear does not have thin skin instead they have a thick layer of body fat to keep them warm
2. They have dark brown eyes which are set relatively close together.
3. The presence of white fur acts as protection from predators

Option C:

1. The polar bear has a small tail about 7 to 12 cm long.
2. They have thick and sharp claws for walking on ice.
3. The large paws of polar bears prevent the breaking of ice by distributing the polar bear's weight while walking.

Option D:

1. Paws don’t help polar bears in swimming instead they prevent the breaking of ice by distributing the polar bear's weight while walking.
2. White fur on the body acts as protection from predators because of its white color,
3. Gills are absent in polar bears instead they respire in the same way as humans through the lungs.

Final answer: Polar bears are able to adapt to living in such a cold temperature due to the presence of white fur, fat beneath the skin, and a keen sense of smell.