Adaptations Of The Arctic Fox
1. Short, heavily furred, rounded ears
- Limits dispersal of heat
2. Coat changes colour
- In summer, the fur is reddish brown
- In winter, it develops a layer of insulating fat, and a thick white
coat, including fur on the bottom of its paws
3. Phenomenal breeding rate
- Females give birth to as many as 25 cubs per year
- However, most of these do not survive for more than 6 months
- Thus, the high birth rate helps to maintain population growth
4. Able to remain active at temperatures of around -50 degrees Celsius
- Remains active without a corresponding increase in metabolic rate
- However, mature foxes rarely live for more than a few years in the
harsh arctic climate
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